Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, His Lordship Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, has called on all Magistrates across the country not to be static but to do better in the effective and efficient administration of justice.
“It’s a new year and I want the wheels of justice to be running smoothly, effectively and efficiently,” Chief Justice urged Magistrates, adding that, “I want new things aimed at making significant progress in giving justice to the people.”
In his first meeting with them in 2022, the Hon. Chief Justice admonished all the Magistrates to know that their discretion is within the law, whilst cautioning them to desist from doing their jobs any how or outside the prescribed laws.
Addressing the issue of committals, the Hon. Chief Justice noted that the time between transfers of cases from the Magistrates’ Courts to the High Court is too long which amounts to unnecessary waste of time and delay in the completion of cases.
Chief Justice Edwards also encouraged them to be diligent in handling committals and depositions in view of the fact that their decisions are being tested by summary reviews.
He used the occasion to implore them to consider themselves as people trained to be Judges someday, to know the Act on sentencing in respect of specific offences, to be compliant to the directive on monthly returns, cross-check and double check bail documents and to deal with recalcitrant Court Registrars within the law.
“You should be men of honesty, integrity and stout character in protecting the Courts,” the Chief Justice stressed, urging them to help in protecting the integrity of the courts which will enhance the smooth administration of Justice in the country.
