A call is being made for urgent action to be taken to establish mental health courts, in the justice system.

This is to provide the necessary support to persons who require specific help from the justice system, in the handling of their court cases.

Chief Justice Bryan Sykes says there is a need to separate cases related to mentally ill persons from criminal ones, to allow for better handling of mentally ill persons charged with criminal offences.

The Chief Justice said mental health courts could be set up similar to drug courts.

He was speaking at the handing over ceremony for the St. Ann Family Court.