Jersey lawmakers have handed new laws that’s being described as a “step in the direction of” the decriminalization of possession of small quantities of hashish and different Class B and C medication.
In a vote on Wednesday, February 7, the Meeting of States of Jersey unanimously accepted an modification to the Use of Medication Act permitting these caught for repeated possession of small quantities of Class B and C medication to keep away from prosecution.
Presently, The steering says first-time offenders caught with as much as 15g of hashish ought to obtain a Written Warning, moderately than being progressed by the felony justice system.
The brand new laws sees these tips written into legislation for the primary time and prolonged to incorporate repeat offenders, who will now be accountable for a top-level superb of £200.
Every of Jersey's 12 parishes has an Honorary Police Pressure, composed of centenarians, winegrowers and constables, elected by parishioners who serve on an unpaid foundation.
Since 1998 Centeniers – senior members of the forces and Prosecutors below the Legal professional Common –they’d the ability to difficulty written warnings to first-time offenders, in what is named a Parish Corridor inquiry, permitting them to keep away from courtroom and a everlasting felony report. This was prolonged to second-time offenders in 2019.
Below the brand new legislation, Centeniers may even be capable of difficulty warnings to repeat offenderswhich presently should all the time be handled by the Justice of the Peace courtroom.
The utmost penalty for possession of Class B and C medication for repeat offenders might be set at £200.
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Jersey passes “de jure” decriminalization of hashish for private use