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Celebrity & the Criminal Justice System

Writer : Caribbean E-Magazine on Monday, April 7, 2014 | 10:42 AM


T
he recent murder trial of Jamaican DJ (Vybz Kartel), had the same settings of what often takes place in that region, and many other countries where poor economic conditions still have a strong hold, justice is often seen through the eyes of one’s economic status, and notoriety.

The anticipated verdict was more about the Jamaican justice system, and how they would handle the final disposition, including the far-reaching effect over the Caribbean in general on celebrity justice, victims, and what statement it would have sent to the next generation where trust is often ranked low as it relates to the criminal justice system.

The trial was bigger than the prosecutors, defense counsels, witnesses, law enforcement and how they gathered and preserved evidence or the lack of communication, and proper procedures. 

It bought back memories of the O.J.Simpson case where he was found not guilty on a double murder charge. The trial puts the criminal justice in focus. It was a combination of how law enforcement conducted themselves, money, celebrity, and class. 

Although (Vybz Kartel case did not receive the same worldwide notoriety such as the O.J. Simpson case in 1995. Several in the Caribbean watched this case closely as to how justice would be served. Quietly, to many, this public case brought back memories of previous ones in which prior politicians, the rich and powerful people in the region often walk away free, even when the evidence points more than likely that a crime has occurred.

This is not to say that all rich, famous, and powerful defendants were guilty in all previous cases. However, as many Jamaicans waited in anticipation of the verdict, the alert for civil disobedience and vigilante justice was high.  However, the Jamaica judiciary system rose to the challenge and maintained order after the verdict. What was even impressive, many became educated with the jury system, and how the overall the court process works for the first and the media played an important role.

In fact, as much as we would like to see a balance system, in many cases, these trials outcomes mirrors several other countries based on one’s race, sex, creed, and color.  The mandated strategies to combat crimes, and public safety should not create a generation of hopelessness. It should ensure that when penal codes are violated, the rule of law as written in the “Said Constitution” remain intact.

The idea of celebrity justice is almost like farfetched idea. That has now been proven incorrectly, and there is no doubt this verdict will be debated for months to come, and somewhat opens a new frontier as to how this process really works.

What the verdict has done, it has tested the Jamaican judiciary system, law enforcement procedures and what role entertainers plays in the system, and if justice can be bought. This verdict is more than just one man, and the impact will have a lasting effect. On the other hand, if the government do not use this opportunity to send a message, very soon, key departments will no longer be capable of functioning to its fullest capacity as required to maintain public safety and a fair and balance system, and reduce the blame game.

What could have been done differently should be the questions from here on?  Training is now critical  and  if the body of government that plays a vital role in upholding the law refuses to investigate gaps from preserving  of evidence, and ensuring that officers can   conduct comprehensive investigations from the emergency system to tracking criminals, to  redefining  agility  and structural deficiencies  then the  public trust will still continue to decline.

I never heard of him before this trial. However,   I realized that he has a huge following, and some might not agree with the outcome, and that is fine in any democratic society.  We cannot force anyone as to who to love. However, imagine the impact he could have had mobilizing the next generation on to better things. Furthermore, use his fame to promote peace, and pop-in at a local youth club/school to encourage positive mobility.  I am still optimistic that this time justice was in the open, and not taken up in the hands of a few, through retaliation, and further diminish public trust in the system.


 
About the Author
Derrick Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics and finance, an MBA degree in global management and a Master of Science in criminal justice & leadership. He has been a part law enforcement/criminal justice field for over 14 years.
 
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