NCJ Number
84366
Date Published
1979
Length
18 pages
Annotation
The rates and characteristics of homicide in Jamaica are described and compared with those in the United States.
Abstract
Jamaica has a population of about 2 million in an area about the size of Connecticut. The population is about four-fifths black, 15 percent of mixed race, and 5 percent of other races. Jamaican law is largely based on English common law. The penalty for murder is death, while the penalty for manslaughter ranges from a fine or probation to life imprisonment. Second degree murder does not exist under Jamaican law. From 1956-57 to 1977-78, murder rates increased more than sixfold, while manslaughter rates increased by only 35 percent. Homicide rates increased more in Jamaica than in the United States during the same period. About three-quarters of the homicides in Jamaica occurred on the street. In contrast, most homicides in 17 American cities studied took place in public buildings or private homes. Multiple assailants were involved in a much higher proportion of Jamaican homicides than American homicides. Guns were used in the majority of homicides studied in both Jamaica and the United States. Clearance rates for Jamaica were much lower than those reported by the FBI for homicides in the United States. Of 714 cases tried in Jamaica from 1969 to 1976, 59 percent resulted in convictions for either murder or manslaughter. Jamaican court officials assert that plea bargaining is rare in Jamaican courts. Case attrition during court processing may largely result from lack of probable cause to bind over to trial. Several explanations have been offered for the rapid increase in homicides in Jamaica in recent years. Tables, a figure, a list of 20 references, and suggestions for further research are provided.