NOTES FOR SUPPLEMENTARIES
1. WHAT ACTION HAS HMG TAKEN TO PROMOTE THE ABOLISHMENT OF
CAPITAL FUNISHMENT IN THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES?
In 1965 and again in 1970 the territories where capital
punishment is retained were invited to follow HMG's example of
abolition. As a result, the death penalty was abolished in
all but 7 territories. These 7 territories are well aware of
the views of this House on the question.
2.
HOW ICES HMG BECOME INVOLVED?
If the Governor does not exercise the Prerogative of
Mercy, the Secretary of State becomes directly involved when
he has to advise the Queen on any petition which may be addressed
to ler.
3.
WHAT ACTION WOULD HKG TAKE TO INTERVENE UNDER THE POLICY
KNOWN AS "CHEECH JONES LOCTRINE"?
The Secretary of State does not advise the Crown to
intervene unless there has been an evident miscarriage of
justice. This policy is based on the grounds that the Governor
and his advisors are in the best position to make a judgement.
There have been numerous instances of commutation of sentences
without any intervention from London.
VIEWS OF THE BERMULA LEGISLATIVE
On 9 July 1975, in response to a Frivate Member's motion
to abolish capital punishment in Bermuda, the liouse of Assembly
there rejected the motion by 25 votes to 9.