By : Aminata Kamara
In a recent interview with Francess Sesay of Slik Television, Lawyer Sorie Sengeh Marah voiced strong objections to the removal of the jury system in Sierra Leone. Marah argued that abolishing the jury system undermines the presumption of innocence for accused persons.
He emphasized that the jury system was initially implemented to safeguard citizens’ rights, ensuring that accused persons’ fates are not solely determined by a single judge.
“Accused persons, in the stark realities of our justice system, must not be left at the mercy of the numerous fallibilities of one man or woman, however learned they are,” Marah tweeted. He further argued that while the jury system requires reforms, it should not be entirely discarded. Marah acknowledged the existence of corrupt jurors but suggested removing them from the system rather than abolishing the jury system from the Criminal Procedure Act.
On July 5, 2024, the Sierra Leone Parliament passed the Criminal Procedure Act 2024, which abolished the jury system. During the weekly press briefing, the Minister of Information and Civic Education, Mr. Chernor Bah, explained that this move aims to align Sierra Leone’s judicial system with other African nations. Bah noted that over 95 percent of cases in the justice system did not involve a jury and that the amended law reserves the jury system only for cases that may result in the death penalty.
Opposition All People’s Congress MP, Hon. Aaron Koroma, warned against the complete removal of the jury system, advocating for its maintenance to ensure progressive law. “Removal of the jury should be a nonstarter. We can amend the procedures, but we should not expunge the jury,” Koroma told his colleagues.
In another interview with Slik Television, Mr. Charlie Williams Esq. highlighted that the jury consists of 12 citizens who are not lawyers, tasked with delivering verdicts on sensitive cases. Williams expressed surprise that many lawyers were not consulted before the Bill to remove the jury system was passed.
