Constitution of Jamaica 1962, as amended to 2023
Obligations of the State
  • English
    1. Whereas-
    a. the state has an obligation to promote universal respect for, and observance of, human rights and freedoms;
    b. all persons in Jamaica are entitled to preserve for themselves and future generations the fundamental rights and freedoms to which they are entitled by virtue of their inherent dignity as persons and as citizens of a free and democratic society;

    the following provisions of this Chapter5 shall have effect for the purpose of affording protection to the rights and freedoms of persons as set out in those provisions, to the extent that those rights and freedoms do not prejudice the rights and freedoms of others.
    2. Subject to sections 18 and 49, and to subsections (9) and (12) of this section, and save only as may be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society-
    a. this Chapter guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in subsections (3) and (6) of this section and in sections 14, 15, 16 and 17; and
    b. Parliament shall pass no law and no organ of the State shall take any action which abrogates, abridges or infringes those rights.

    4. This Chapter applies to all law and binds the legislature, the executive and all public authorities.
    … (Sec. 13)
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Chapter II: Citizenship.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.
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Chapter III: Chapter of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms.