Chief Justice Richard Ground has retired to consider his judgement in a court case that anti-conscription campaigners hope will see the policy outlawed.

Yesterday, Delroy Duncan, lawyer for 14 conscripts known collectively as Bermudians Against the Draft (BAD), argued that insufficient efforts are made to recruit volunteers before forcing men to serve, thus breaching the Defence Act.

During the landmark case – the first group action of its type – Mr. Duncan also claimed the policy of conscripting only men amounts to gender discrimination.

His arguments were refuted today by Acting Solicitor General Huw Shepheard, who said no rules have been breached in enforcing conscription.

Mr. Justice Ground told the parties this morning that he had another case to decide before he announces his ruling on the conscription matter.

However, he told legal teams for both sides: “I know you’re anxious to know the results.”

l Read the full story in tomorrow’s edition of The Royal Gazette.