The Dominica Bar Association (DBA) is expressing concerns over remarks made by National Security Minister, Rayburn Blackmoore on the granting of bail to double murder-accused Jonathan Lehrer and has called on public officials to refrain from making statements that question the independence of the judiciary.
In a statement released on Monday, the association said it is committed to the principles of judicial independence and the rule of law and the statements made by Blackmoore were “concerning and unfortunate.”
“This type of public criticism by a Minister of government of a judicial decision unnecessarily casts a shadow over the independence of the judiciary and risks eroding public confidence in our legal system,” the statement said.
On Wednesday last week, the court opened bail for Lehrer, and a day later Blackmoore released a statement saying the state was “totally opposed” to the move.
“While I fully appreciate the independence of the court and embrace the principle that within our society, one is presumed innocent until proven guilty, however, there is consensus within society that certain crimes because of the brutality involved are very serious and therefore must be dealt with in the most serious manner by the court,” he said.
He stated that the public interest is a “transcending issue” in the case and it must be seen as being “preserved and protected by the court at all times.”
But the DBA said the remarks by Blackmoore “conveyed the impression that the Court may have not taken the matter with the utmost seriousness or considered the relevant provisions of the Bail Act or other relevant law.”
“While it is not our role to determine or relay to the public whether the Honourable Court was right or wrong in its final determination, it must be stated that in this case, specific references to the Bail Act and several case precedents were made by the Honourable Judge throughout his 24-page judgment (which is publicly available on the website of the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court),” the statement continued.
According to the DBA, the role of the judicial system is not to appease the sentiment of the public, which it said is differentiated from “public interest” as defined by law, but to impartially interpret and apply the law.
“While public sentiment in high-profile cases is understandable, the separation of powers requires that government officials respect judicial processes and avoid partisan commentary,” the association stated.
It also said that public officials should refrain from making statements that could be perceived as influencing the independence of the judiciary.
“The DBA calls upon all public officials to uphold the integrity of the legal system by refraining from statements that may be perceived as an attempt to influence or challenge judicial independence. This is essential to maintaining a just and democratic society,” it said.
Lehrer was jointly charged with his accomplice, Robert Snider Jr., on December 6, 2023, for the brutal murder of well-known Canadian businessman Daniel Langlois and his partner, Dominique Marchand.
The couple owned Coulibri Ridge and Eco Resort in the south of the island.
The judgment can be read at this link: https://www.eccourts.org/judgment/jonathan-lehrer-v-the-chief-of-police-et-al
I am glad to see someone speak up about the incorrectness of Blackmoore’s statement. This is a country of free speech, and as such Mr. Blackmoore needed to emphasize that his statement was his PERSONAL opinion, and as such holds no weight or influence with the judiciary, and is not official gov’t policy. Although there will be those who disagree with the bail decision, as an independent organ of our constitution, the court is bound by duty to hear the appeal and make a decision. Mr. Blackmoore’s statement smells of control, corruption, and a deliberate effort to pressure the judiciary to suit his desire. I smell dictator/king wannabe in his rant. Thank you DBA for standing up.
Bull shi.! who thought of such rubbish? the minister is on the side of the people and justice as he should, he’s not there to defend a criminals. do you all work let him do his. You all mentioned his name so now tell us who is the m**nkey that orchestrated this.
If they were so concerned about his statement why did it take them so long to respond to the claim? I am unfortunately one of them eho knows that this will not end well.
The mans lawyer flies in to represent him, so there is a lot of money in the bag to be pocketed. Just a matter of time.
Blackmore is an idiot and the reason this case hasnt already gone to trial is his fault. The Dominica Police Force is not fit for purpose.
I’m afraid that all of this appears deliberate
The judge’s decision, followed by Blackmoore’s statement and now de Bar association response.
Other pressing court cases have come through with it’s controversies ……….not a word from DAT BAR ASSOCITION!!!!!!
are they trying to prove a point or spoil de show
Like it or not on matters like this, ELECTED officials have a right to talk as this is a matter of public importance. The DBA must understand that if they truly want an independent judiciary they should lead by example
Although I do not like those lawyers all of them are crooks ,they are right,for a former police officer Rayburn is a jacka,just like ole police.The man just going on the radio and talk BS.
Dominica, under for the last twenty (20) years, is a country of BAD:
*Bad government
*Bad judicial system
*Bad electoral system
*Bad parliament
*Bad healthcare
*Bad police force
*Bad roads
Badness is a reliable staple in the country.