The Acting Chief Justice of Sierra Leone, Justice Nicholas Browne Marke, has highlighted the transformative impact of the newly enacted Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) 2024, emphasizing its role in guaranteeing fairness in criminal trials.
Speaking during a training session for judges and magistrates at New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, organized by the Justice Sector Coordinating Office (JSCO), Justice Browne Marke stressed that the Act introduces significant reforms to enhance efficiency and equality in the judicial process.
Key changes include streamlined sentencing provisions, faster case timelines, and mandatory filing of trial documents and witness statements before court proceedings. The Act also revises the committal process by requiring documentation instead of full hearings, calling witnesses only under exceptional circumstances.
Justice Browne Marke noted that these reforms ensure balance between the complainant and defendant while promoting transparency. “The new Act is designed to deliver fairness and efficiency in criminal trials,” he stated.
Magistrate Alpha Rashid Jalloh, a participant, praised the training’s importance in equipping magistrates to effectively implement the Act. “This initiative directly addresses issues we encounter in court, improving our understanding and application of the law,” he remarked.
The session provided a platform for legal practitioners to explore the CPA’s provisions and share insights, marking a step forward in reforming Sierra Leone’s judicial system.
