Thirty-one active court cases in St. Mary have been referred for mental health evaluations.
Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Court Administration Division Tricia Cameron Anglin made the disclosure today at a mental health symposium in the parish.
While the figure highlights the importance of mental health assessments in the administration of justice, Cameron Anglin cautioned that the cases do not represent confirmed diagnoses.
She said the evaluations are important in informing legal proceedings and safeguarding the rights of individuals who appear before the courts.
She further argued that justice cannot be administered fairly without taking into account the circumstances of the people involved in each case.
She emphasised the need for informed conversations about mental health along with appropriate support for individuals whose mental health concerns may affect their interaction with the justice system.