The Jamaican Bar Association (JBA) has expressed concern over recent public circulation of sensitive details surrounding the death of Trelawny Parish Court Judge, Ruth Lawrence.

The 57-year-old public servant was found unresponsive at her home in Coral Spring Village, Trelawny on Tuesday.

A probe has been launched into her death.

In a statement, the JBA said while it mourns the tragic loss of a distinguished member of the judiciary, it is deeply troubled by the apparent non-observance of the Data Protection Act, which enshrines the right to privacy and dignity of the individual, even in death.

The JBA added that the Act affirms that personal data must be handled with care, respect and lawful purpose.

According to the association, the dissemination of intimate and distressing information without appropriate safeguards or justification, undermines the solemnity of death, the humanity of the deceased and those who are left to mourn her passing.

The JBA said it condemns this breach in the strongest terms and urges all relevant authorities to thoroughly review the circumstances surrounding the release of this information.

The JBA also urged persons including members of the media and public officials to exercise restraint and compassion when handling matters of such profound sensitivity.