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Sierra Leone’s Parliament has passed a landmark piece of legislation, the Criminal Procedure Act 2024.
This act replaces the outdated 1965 Act and brings significant changes to the country’s criminal justice system.
A key aspect of the new act is the abolition of jury trials. In a close vote, 65 parliamentarians voted in favor of removing juries, while 38 opposed the change. This move marks a major shift in how criminal cases will be decided in Sierra Leone, with judges now solely responsible for verdicts.
The Criminal Procedure Act 2024 still requires presidential assent before it becomes law. President Bio is expected to review the bill and make a decision in the coming weeks.
This is a very good decision
We need jury trial as well
I don’t have problem with it. Am asking why does it take so long for us to change it.
Good decision
This is beautiful…we are in for very good laws… Criminal matters should be left in the hands legal minds…
Good one
As a legal minded person there is a need for a jury system as too much of power has been given just to one person to determine the faith and destiny of another person is outrageous.
You will not know the cons of this until your family member, loved ones, or yourself be a victim.
It is good for other people from different backgrounds and decline to reason with like minds before reaching conclusion. The old act has already started who and who should not make a jury.
Our problem is not to remove the jury system, our problem in Sierra Leone are honesty and integrity. We must restore sanity in our society today, our institutions must act with integrity.
Financial theft, or corruption is a serious and Geiger state crime like treason of any kind, however, every day public and private officials engaged into such practices but nothing comes out.
What is the essence of the Anti-corruption Act of 2008 and its amendment act of 2019?
For our laws to work we need to follow the true doctrine of madam justice, integrity matters at all levels.
Good move
The Judge directs the Jury as to what decision the jury reach. It’s therefore, not matter either a trial by jury or judge.