The Advocates’ Association of Jamaica has commended the court for protecting the constitutional rights of Jamaicans, with its ruling today (Apl 12) on the National Identification and Registration Act.

The court ruled the entire act, which would have facilitated the establishment of the National Identification System (NIDS) null and void.

President of the Advocates’ Association of Jamaica Leonard Green, said criminalizing citizens for not abiding by a legislation that breaches their rights, is a matter all courts should be wary of.

Mr. Green also congratulated the judicial services for the historic broadcasting of the constitutional court’s decision.

He says this unprecedented approach to demystifying legal concepts, will go a long way towards engaging all Jamaicans in a vitally important process, that impacts their daily lives.

And, human rights lobby group, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) has called on the government, to review and draft a new legalisation for a National Identification System that does not breach constitutional rights.

This in the wake of this morning’s court ruling, that the entire National Identification and Registration Act (NIRA), which would have facilitated the establishment of the National Identification System (NIDS) is null and void.

JFJ Policy and Advocacy Manager Monique Long, says the decision of the court is an important development in constitutional law and the country’s legislative processes.

Ms. Long says the JFJ still supports the notion of Jamaica having a national identification system.

She says, it’s regrettable that millions of dollars was already spent on the process.