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In this episode, Andrew Wildes engages with Bert Samuels, a prominent Jamaican lawyer, to discuss the pressing issue of wrongful convictions in Jamaica. The conversation begins with a tragic case from 1983, leading to a broader exploration of the systemic issues contributing to wrongful convictions, including police and prosecutorial misconduct, the role of defense counsel, and the harsh conditions of detention.
Samuels shares his extensive experience in criminal law, highlighting the need for accountability and reform within the Jamaican legal system. The discussion also explores personal motivations for advocating for justice and the importance of upholding integrity in legal practices.
Key Themes
➤ Public pressure and assumptions of guilt
➤ Police misconduct and planted forensic evidence
➤ Suppressed evidence and prosecutorial abuse
➤ Defense lawyers as last line of defense
➤ Coerced confessions from brutal jail conditions
➤ Duty counsel’s role in protecting suspects
➤ Delayed justice and abandoned appeals
➤ Speaking truth without fear or favor
➤ Justice, faith, and fearless legal advocacy
➤ Urgent need for systemic accountability
Chapters
00:00 – Diane Smith’s murder, public outrage, Dennis “Shorty” Jenkins charged, venue change due to mob threats
06:15 – How wrongful convictions happen, parallels with U.S. and U.K., systemic flaws seen in Jamaican courts
12:52 – Defense expert uncovers planted evidence, forensic misconduct, collusion between police and scientists
18:11 – Suppressed video in Sangster & Dixon case, ID parade manipulation, rare prosecutorial discipline
25:27 – Defense counsel vigilance, catching altered documents, coaching of witnesses, early courtroom tactics
30:40 – Coerced confessions, poor jail conditions, duty counsel impact, the culture of forced admissions
36:19 – Appellate delays, constitutional rights violated, Kartel retrial statistics, systemic backlog failures
41:55 – Why Bert Samuels never sought QC/KC status, radical faith, personal experiences, commitment to justice
Brought to you by The Wave on The Frequency Network.
Connect with Bert Samuels
More About Andrew Wildes
Explore the work of Andrew Wildes—Jamaican lawyer, journalist, and host of Stuck: Wrongful Convictions in Jamaica. His mission is to expose systemic injustice, amplify the voices of the wrongfully imprisoned, and drive meaningful legal reform through storytelling and advocacy.
For updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes content, follow Andrew across platforms and join the conversation on justice in Jamaica.
Production, Distribution, and Marketing
Produced by Massif Studio & Production and The Tallawah Group.
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