Local human rights lobby group, Jamaicans for Justice (JFJ) is calling on the government to conduct public consultation, prior to the removal of trial by jury.

JFJ Executive Director Horace Levy says the group is concerned about plans by the government to abolish the right to trial by jury, in cases where the police accuse someone of murder using a gun.

This trial by jury protection exists because it prevents state actors, to include judges and prosecutors, from unilaterally making decisions which, without the participation of citizens, could lead to miscarriages of justice.

Mr. Levy says the concern is that by a simple parliamentary majority, and without any meaningful consultation, a profoundly important right will be taken away from everyone.

Mr. Levy says, the JFJ does not support the abolition of jury trials without a detailed public examination of its potential impact on the justice system and on accused persons, especially the poor.