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The judiciary of Sierra Leone, through the Judicial and Legal Training Institute, conducted a two-day capacity-building workshop for 13 newly recruited magistrates ahead of their postings across the country.
The workshop, which began on May 23, 2025, took place at the Sexual Offences Model Court within the main Law Courts building in Freetown, aiming to enhance the effective dispensation of justice at the magisterial level.
In his opening remarks, Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda emphasized the significance of the training, particularly during this transitional phase for the newly appointed magistrates moving from various roles within the justice system to the bench.
He highlighted the importance of their new responsibilities, stating, “The Magistrates must do justice to all manner of people without fear or favor.”
Justice Kamanda noted that it would be unfair to assign the magistrates to their roles without providing essential training on the fundamental responsibilities of judicial officers. This training included substantive law, the Criminal Procedure Act of 1965/2024, civil procedure, evidence, and professional ethics.
The newly appointed magistrates, some already assigned to locations such as Port Loko, Mile 91, York, Waterloo, and Kono, engaged in discussions on key topics. These included an overview of Magisterial Jurisdiction, jointly taught by Justices Tonia Barnette and Simeon Allieu, as well as bail regulations and the position of the judiciary presented by the Chief Justice.
Additional topics covered during the workshop included evidence, judgment writing, courtroom mannerisms, administrative duties, and the ethical considerations unique to provincial courts. This training aims to equip the magistrates with the necessary skills to uphold justice effectively in their new roles.
