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)
Obligations of Private Parties
  • English
    1. Whereas-

    c. all persons are under a responsibility to respect and uphold the rights of others recognized in this Chapter6,
    the following provisions of this Chapter 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.

    5. A provision of this Chapter binds natural or juristic persons if, and to the extent that, it is applicable, taking account of the nature of the right and the nature of any duty imposed by the right.
    … (Sec. 13)
Judicial Protection
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    1. If any person alleges that any of the provisions of this Chapter7 has been, is being or is likely to be contravened in relation to him, then, without prejudice to any other action with respect to the same matter which is lawfully available, that person may apply to the Supreme Court for redress.
    2. Any person authorized by law, or, with the leave of the Court, a public or civic organization, may initiate an application to the Supreme Court on behalf of persons who are entitled to apply under subsection (1) for a declaration that any legislative or executive act contravenes the provisions of this Chapter.
    3. The Supreme Court shall have original jurisdiction to hear and determine any application made by any person in pursuance of subsection (1) of this section and may make such orders, issue such writs and give such directions as it may consider appropriate for the purpose of enforcing, or securing the enforcement of, any of the provisions of this Chapter to the protection of which the person concerned is entitled.
    4. Where any application is made for redress under this Chapter, the-Supreme Court may decline to exercise its powers and may remit the matter to the appropriate court, tribunal or authority if it is satisfied that adequate means of redress for the contravention alleged are available to the person concerned under any other law.
    5. Any person aggrieved by any determination of the Supreme Court under this section may appeal therefrom to the Court of Appeal.
    6. Parliament may make provision or authorize the making of provision with respect to the practice and procedure of any court for the purposes of this section and may confer upon that court such powers, or may authorize the conferment thereon of such powers, in addition to those conferred by this section, as may appear to be necessary or desirable for the purpose of enabling that court more effectively to exercise the jurisdiction conferred upon it by this section. (Sec. 19)
Links to all sites last visited 10 November 2023
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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.