Acting Chief Justice Nicholas Browne Marke has reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to addressing delays in legal proceedings with the introduction of the Criminal Procedure Act of 2024. This legislation replaces the outdated Act No. 32 of 1965, aiming to modernize the justice system and streamline court processes.

Speaking at a seminar for legal professionals hosted by the Justice Sector Office at the Sierra Palms Hotel, Justice Browne Marke emphasized the Act’s transformative potential. One of its key provisions requires all parties to submit case documents to the Magistrate Court before trial, a move designed to minimize delays. “This ensures everyone is adequately prepared, making court appearances more efficient,” he explained.

The Act also enhances transparency by granting the defense access to prosecution witnesses and their statements ahead of trial. This measure aims to promote fairness and improve legal preparedness. Furthermore, police statements will now hold the same evidentiary weight as witness testimonies, ensuring continuity even if a witness is unavailable.

Additional reforms include the introduction of judge-only trials for all cases except treason, which will still require a jury. The Act also provides options for deferred and suspended sentences, reflecting a more flexible approach to justice. These changes are expected to significantly reduce trial times and resource expenditure.

Justice Browne Marke expressed optimism about the reforms, predicting that minor cases such as theft and wounding could be resolved within days under the new system.

Participants at the seminar welcomed the Act, describing it as a major step forward for Sierra Leone’s judiciary. Abdul Sesay, one of the attendees, praised the reforms for their potential to transform legal proceedings across the nation.

The Criminal Procedure Act of 2024 marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s legal history, ushering in a more efficient and equitable judicial framework.