Sinn Fein calls for radical revamp of justice system.
From IRISH NEWS January 14th, 1999
By Nevin Farrell
A TOTAL reform of the criminal justice system is just as important to the
nationalist community as the reform of the RUC, Sinn Fein argued yesterday.
In a series of proposals to the Judicial System Review under the Good Friday
agreement, the party says nationalists have been isolated from the system
of justice since the foundation of the Northern Ireland state and will be
expecting radical reform. At an official press launch of Sinn Fein's review
for the justice system, the party made a range of resolutions. The party's
justice spokesperson Bairbre de Brun said they wanted a new judicial system
based on the principles of "equality, respect and openness" which could
only be achieved by real reform. "It is not sufficient to look at managerial
aspects of the system. It has to be a root and branch change," she said.
She added that reforms to the legal system had to run in tandem with policing
changes. She said nationalists had experienced a "chill factor" in their
dealings with the law but that efforts had to be made to make the system
attractive to all the community. Ms de Brun said the Criminal Justice Review
had to address many matters. These included the removal of the emergency
legislation and the scrapping of Diplock (non-jury) courts. Sinn Féin also
wants human rights training for judges, prosecution office staff and prison
officers. And fair representation for all communities in the judiciary within
a period of three years. The party is also calling for the creation of an
all-Ireland Constitutional Court serving as the final supreme court for
Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic instead of the House of Lords. The
submission also says nationalists find oaths and references to the queen
in the justice system offensive and want them banned. The document also
advocates local community restorative justice to assist communities to create
a safer environment. Although accepting the limited remit of the Criminal
Justice Review Group, in their lengthy 11-page document Sinn Fein also call
for a public inquiry into all unresolved killings allegedly carried out
by members of the security forces and a permanent ban on the use of plastic
bullets. They also urge an independent official inquiry into allegations
of collusion in the killing of Belfast defence solicitor Pat Finucane. Sinn
Fein also expressed concern that failure to carry out proper analysis with
respect to custodial accommodation for children may lead to the closure
of St Patrick's Training School in west Belfast. The party is worried that
Catholic children could then be placed in areas where they are vulnerable
to sectarian attacks. |
