Judiciary Trains 38 Magistrates On 2024 Criminal Procedures Act

John Kelly Marah

As part of the Judiciary’s continuous reform and professional development drive, thirty-eight magistrates from across Sierra Leone have successfully completed a capacity-building workshop on the Criminal Procedures Act 2024, held at the Sierra Palm Hotel, Lumley Beach Road, Freetown, from the 10- 11th October 2025.

The training formed part of ongoing efforts by the Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice to enhance the competence of judicial officers and ensure the effective implementation of the new Act — a major legislative reform aimed at modernizing the country’s criminal justice system.

In his opening remarks, Hon. Chief Justice Komba Kamanda described the workshop as “a continuation of the Judiciary’s broader capacity-building reform agenda.” He noted that several sessions had already been held following the enactment of the new law, and emphasized that sustained training was key to effective justice delivery.

“Capacity building remains an integral part of our reform agenda,” the Chief Justice said. “We cannot improve the delivery of justice if we do not continually invest in the development of our Magistrates, Judges, and Judicial staff. The Magistrate Court is the face of the Judiciary — the point of first contact for nearly 98 percent of all matters, especially criminal cases.”

He encouraged the participants to take full advantage of the sessions and return to their courts better equipped to deliver timely, fair, and accessible justice to the people of Sierra Leone. He further commended the Judicial and Legal Training Institute (JLTI) for organizing the program, and acknowledged the contributions of Justices Roberts, Kennedy, Sesay, and Zaki, whose leadership and expertise continue to guide the Judiciary’s reform efforts.

Speaking on behalf of the government, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to justice sector reform. He lauded the Judiciary’s efforts to strengthen institutional capacity, and described the enactment of the Criminal Procedures Act 2024 as “a milestone in modernizing Sierra Leone’s justice system.”

“When justice works, the country works,” the Attorney General stated. “This new Act aligns our criminal procedures with international human rights standards — ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency.”

He highlighted key innovations in the law, including provisions for electronic and digital evidence, alternative sentencing options, enhanced witness protection, and expedited trial procedures designed to reduce case backlogs.

He added that the abolition of the jury system and the introduction of assessors were aimed at improving efficiency and consistency in judgments.

“These reforms are designed to make our justice delivery simpler, faster, fairer, and more reliable,” he said. “If properly implemented, they will ensure that justice in Sierra Leone is truly people-centered.”

Joining the Chief Justice and the Attorney General, Hon. Justice Eku Robert, Head of the Judicial and Legal Training Institute, underscored the importance of feedback, collaboration, and continuous learning. He described the training as “participant-focused,” aimed at equipping Magistrates with the practical knowledge needed to apply the new law effectively.

“We do not claim to be experts in every area of the law,” Justice Robert remarked. “Our role at the Institute is to identify and bring together the people who are — to create a platform for knowledge exchange and professional growth.”

Justice Robert also encouraged open participation, urging Magistrates to ask questions and share experiences freely.

“Don’t be shy — raise your hand, ask your question, and engage.

This is how we learn together,” he said. “This workshop is not a one-off event. There will be more training sessions ahead, because we are all learning a new law that replaces decades of practice under the old Act.”

He concluded by expressing gratitude for the warm welcome he received upon his return to active duty, adding that he was delighted to once again be part of the Judiciary’s collective effort to strengthen the rule of law in Sierra Leone.

The workshop ended with a renewed commitment from participants to apply the new procedures diligently in their respective courts, and to continue fostering public confidence in the justice system.