TNAG-0931-FCO40-1149-Capital-punishment-in-the-Dependent-Territories-1980 — Page 10

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Wakking papers on Capital Punishment

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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