The Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy for Justice (ILRAJ) in a letter has expressed deep concern over the recent passage of the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 by the Sierra Leone Parliament.

According to the letter, the new legislation repeals the outdated 1965 Act, notably removes the provision for jury trials in serious criminal cases with a vote of 65 in favour and 38 against, marking a significant shift in the administration of justice in Sierra Leone.

ILRAJ in their letter urged President Bio to withhold assent to this Bill and send it back to Parliament for reconsideration, stating that removal of jury trials represents a grave setback for the constitutional democracy and undermines the principles of fair and impartial justice that are foundational to the country’s legal system.

“The jury system has long been regarded as the last bulwark of our liberties, ensuring that the collective conscience of twelve ordinary men and women determines the outcome of the most severe criminal cases. This system provides a crucial check against potential biases and errors, offering diverse perspectives that enrich the decision-making process.”

The letter continued that removing such protection casts a dark shadow over Justice, threatening to erode public confidence in the judicial system.

It was advised that those advocating for the abolition of jury trials may argue for short-term efficiencies, but the long-term implications are dire, while the jury system may incur costs and face challenges such as absenteeism and potential corruption, these issues can be mitigated through proper management, juror compensation, and stringent anti-corruption measures.

“The collective judgment and diverse perspectives that a jury provides are invaluable in ensuring fair and impartial justice, outweighing the potential drawbacks. Investing in the integrity of the jury system is an investment in the foundation of our democratic legal process. Allowing a single judge to preside over serious criminal cases places an immense burden on one individual’s shoulders and opens the door to potential abuses of power. The collective wisdom of a jury, informed by diverse life experiences, is far superior to the judgment of a single person, no matter how learned.”

ILRAJ calls on President Bio to take a stand for justice and fairness by refusing to sign the Criminal Procedure Act 2024 in its current form, and urged him to return the Bill to Parliament with a request to reinstate the provisions for jury trials, stating that it will ensure legal system remains robust, transparent, and capable of delivering justice impartially.

In conclusion, the letter reaffirms ILRAJ commitment to advocating for a just and equitable legal system in Sierra Leone, adding that they believe the preservation of jury trials is essential to maintaining public confidence in the judiciary and upholding the rule of law and they should not dismantle the safeguards that protect freedoms and ensure that justice prevails in the society.