Please attach to
Wakking papers on Capital Punishment
Exy
ANGUILLA : RETENTION OF THE DEATH PENALTY
Capital punishment for murder is embodied in the laws of the West
Indian Associated States, including Anguilla.
2. HMG POLICY, In February and again in November the Secretary of
State reviewed the problems of retaining the death penalty in the Dependent Territories. On both occasions he endorsed existing policy, based on the principle that the administration of justice in the
Dependent Territories is an internal matter in which HMG do not usu-
ally become involved. Lord Carrington has so informed the Prime
Minister. (Annexe A).
3.
LEGISLATIVE MEASURES. It is open to the Government of Anguilla to effect abolition or suspension of the death penalty through its Legislative Assembly; equally HMG could instruct the Commissioner
to secure the passage of such legislation through the Legislature.
4.
PREROGATIVE OF MERCY. Under Section 75 of the present Constitu-
tion powers of pardon are vested in HM Commissioner. There is no Committee on Prerogative of Mercy.
West Indian and Atlantic Department
December 1980