In order for magistrates to deliver sound and sober judgements in their daily work, the Judiciary of Sierra Leone has organized a three day training session for them at the main Law Court Building at Siaka Stevens Street.
This is the first time the Judiciary through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI) is providing training for all Magistrates in the country.
In his opening remarks the Chief Justice Babatunde Edwards said the training will cover the execution of the Bail regulations; Sentencing; Jurisdiction of the Magistrate Courts; Taking of evidence; Adjournments amongst others.
He noted that some Magistrates are having issues when it comes to sentencing, adding that some Magistrates were sentencing convicts far above their powers of sentencing, which he said is unfair.
The Chief Justice said his visit to the Correctional Centre, and his findings from that exercise prompted him to set up a Summary Review Committee (SRC) with reference to Cap 17 of the Laws of Sierra Leone. He explained that the SRC will continue to look into all cases of concern and follow the actual sentencing principle.
“After this training, I will be observing your work to ensure that justice is dispensed without fear or favour at all time,” said the Hon. Chief Justice.
Justice Edwards reiterated that Magistrates should not summarily try any offence punishable by death, arson, contrary to section 2, 3 or 17 or of Malicious Damage etc.
In his presentation on ‘Jurisdiction of the Magistrates Courts’, Hon. Justice N.C Browne-Marke said Magistrate Courts were established by section 4 of the Courts’ Act, 1965 and amended by The Interpretation Act, 1971. He stated that Magistrates shall have jurisdiction as Magistrates throughout Sierra Leone, noting further that they may be assigned to any Judicial District or transferred from one Judicial District to another by the Hon. Chief Justice.
The learned Judge said any offence punishable by sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years, or a fine not exceeding one million, falls within their Jurisdiction.
Justice Reginald S. Fynn (JA) spoke on the ‘Code of Conduct and Ethics for Judicial Officers and Anti-Corruption laws and the Magistrates’ stressing that Magistrates should be knowledgeable about Government’s commitment to the fight against corruption.
He later cautioned the magistrates to work within the ambits of the law.
MB/1/2/2021
By mohamedj.bah@awokonewspaper.sl