LEADER OF Opposition Business in the Senate and Opposition Spokesman on Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Arnold J. Nicholson, Q.C., has been appointed distinguished international fellow by the Stetson University College of Law at Gulfport, Florida, USA. The appointment is for a three-year term, which will run from fall 2009 through spring 2012.The other current fellow is Chief Justice Beverly McLachlin of Canada's Supreme Court.

According to the university, "the purpose of the position is to integrate into Stetson University College of Law diverse and international viewpoints on the law; to permit the exchange of ideas among foreign scholars and Stetson's faculty and students, and to expand the role and reputation of Stetson University College of Law in the international legal community."

former Attorney-General

Nicholson served as Jamaica's attorney general for twelve years, from 1995-2007. He was also minister of legal affairs from 1995-1998, and minister of Justice from 2001-2007. He has been a member of the Senate since 1998 and the legal adviser to the People's National Party since 1996.

He was appointed Queen's Counsel in 1995, having been called to the Bar at Middle Temple Inn of Court - London in 1971. He is the holder of a Bachelor of Laws (Hons) degree from the University of London and a Bachelor of Science (Econ) (Hons) (London - UCWI).

He served as deputy chairman, preparatory committee for the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice from 1995 to 2007. He was a member of the executive of the Council of Legal Education; a member of CARICOM's Legal Affairs Committee, and a member of the General Legal Council, Jamaica.