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Acting Chief Justice Nicholas Browne Marke has reaffirmed the judiciary’s commitment to eliminating delays in legal proceedings through the newly enacted Criminal Procedure Act of 2024.
Speaking at a seminar for lawyers and paralegals organized by the Justice Sector Office (JSCO) at the Sierra Palms Hotel, Justice Browne Marke outlined the transformative provisions of the Act, which replaces the outdated Act No. 32 of 1965.
The new legislation aims to streamline court processes and expedite justice. Key reforms include requiring parties to submit all case-related documents at the Magistrate Court before trial, a measure intended to minimize delays. “You must prepare your matter before coming to court. With this change, parties will know exactly what to expect when they appear in court,” said Justice Browne Marke.
One notable advancement under the Act is enhanced transparency for the defense, which will now have access to prosecution witnesses and their statements before trial. This change is expected to improve fairness and ensure better preparation for legal arguments.
Additionally, police statements will now carry the same weight as witness statements in court proceedings. If a witness is unavailable to testify, their police statement may be used as evidence. “We will closely monitor how these changes are implemented,” Justice Browne Marke noted, emphasizing the goal of ensuring smoother judicial processes.
The Act also introduces flexibility in sentencing, including provisions for deferred and suspended sentences, and mandates judge-only trials for all cases except treason, which will continue to require a jury. This adjustment is designed to reduce the time and resources typically spent on lengthy trials.
Justice Browne Marke expressed confidence that strict adherence to the new measures could see many cases, such as theft and wounding, resolved within days.
Attendees welcomed the reforms, with Abdul Sesay, a participant, describing the Act as a “significant step forward” for Sierra Leone’s legal system.
The Criminal Procedure Act of 2024 is part of a broader reform effort aimed at improving the speed and fairness of legal proceedings in Sierra Leone, heralding a new era in the nation’s judicial landscape.
