ABSTRACT
The sporting arena, like any other area of human endeavour, is fraught with passionate pursuits, outright aggression and occasional instances of wonton violence. This chapter focuses on the circumstances where criminal liability may arise in the sporting context, with an overview of the applicability of existing legislation in the Commonwealth Caribbean. It examines the twin themes of ethics and integrity in sport, with special focus being placed on the regulation of sports betting in the Commonwealth Caribbean from a legal, historical and policy perspective. There are a number of defences that may be invoked by an accused player to either fully or partially exonerate himself from liability. In respect of murder and manslaughter, provocation, diminished responsibility or self-defence may very well provide partial or, in the latter instance, complete justification for conduct that would otherwise be considered criminal.
