The Judiciary of Sierra Leone, through its Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI) and in partnership with the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), has successfully concluded a two-day orientation and refresher training for High Court Judges and Magistrates. The training took place at the Mozza Resort in York Village, just outside Freetown and focused primarily on adjudicating cases involving children, along with key aspects of civil and criminal procedures.

The capacity-building workshop brought together 36 Magistrates and seven newly appointed High Court Judges from across the country. It aimed to enhance their legal proficiency and ensure that judicial officers are well-equipped to handle sensitive cases involving juveniles, while maintaining the highest standards of justice delivery.

Deputy Chairman of the JLTI, Hon. Justice Reginald Fynn (JA), welcomed participants by emphasizing the importance of continuous professional development within the judiciary. He praised Honourable Chief Justice Komba Kamanda for his commitment to judicial reform and development just six months into his tenure, noting that such initiatives are crucial in ensuring quality justice administration.

Officially opening the training, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to making justice accessible, fair and swift for all especially for children and other vulnerable populations. He called on Judges and Magistrates to uphold the core values of the Judiciary, including impartiality, independence, integrity and accountability.

“As judicial officers, you must commit to doing what is right and just,” Chief Justice Komba Kamanda urged. “The decisions you make have real impact on people’s lives, particularly children in conflict with the law. We must therefore remain vigilant in upholding the law while ensuring that the principles of child protection and human dignity are never compromised.”

The Chief Justice also issued a strong reminder on judicial ethics, cautioning that any conduct inconsistent with the institution’s values would not be tolerated. He reiterated that the Judiciary’s Ethics Committee will take appropriate measures to address misconduct or breaches of professional standards.

On the training faculty, Chief Justice Komba Kamanda expressed confidence in the team of facilitators, comprising seasoned Justices including Alusine Sesay (JSC), Haja Fatmatta Bintu Alhadi (JSC), Reginald Fynn (JA), Suliaman Bah (JA), Tonia Barnett (JA), Alfred T. Ganda (JA) and Aiah S. Allieu. “These are individuals with deep judicial experience who have served in various jurisdictions. Their insights are invaluable to the continuing development of our Bench,” he stated.

Topics covered during the sessions included the newly enacted Criminal Procedure Act 2024, Civil Procedure commentary, High Court Rules, evidentiary standards, best practices in judgment writing, courtroom demeanor and updated Bail Regulations. Special attention was given to child justice, with sessions on how the judiciary can better address the needs and vulnerabilities of minors in conflict with the law.

The training concluded with renewed commitments by participants to implement the knowledge gained in their various stations across Sierra Leone. The deployment of the seven new Judges, in particular, is expected to enhance access to justice in underserved regions, further reinforcing the Judiciary’s efforts to deliver timely and effective justice across the country. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/judiciary-enhances-legal-expertise-of-judges-and-magistrates-in-capacity-building-workshop/