According to the Domestic Violence Act of Trinidad and Tobago, looking under PROTECTION ORDERS 13. Where notice of the proceedings has been served on the respondent in accordance with section 12 and the respondent fails to appear in person at the time fixed for the hearing the Court may— (a) proceed to hear and determine the matter in the respondent’s absence; or (b) where the Court is satisfied, having regard to the materials before it, that it is appropriate to do so, adjourn the matter and issue a warrant for the respondent to be apprehended and brought before the Court. This particular section is questionable. While I understand that individuals may deliberately avoid court/hearings warranting the necessity of 13(a), there are also cases where individuals have not been given a summons. Also, an individuals fundamental rights should not be disregarded despite the inference that they may be suspected of a crime. Does anyone think this should be revised?
Posted on: Wed, 06 Aug 2014 02:10:18 +0000