Colonial-era law

Sierra Leone — African Law Reports · 1950-56

Principle established: An instrument appointing a Deputy Governor that confers authority in wide terms to exercise all powers vested in the Governor satisfies the constitutional requirement that such powers be specified.

Sierra Leone — Court of Appeal · 1921

Principle established: In the absence of clear evidence of native dispossession and lack of compensation, a historical Crown grant cannot be set aside as conflicting with general instructions to protect native inhabitants.

Sierra Leone — Court of Appeal · 1953

Principle established: The superior court has inherent jurisdiction to stay or dismiss an action that must inevitably fail, and general enabling statutory words in an Order in Council are not strictly restricted by ejusdem generis.

Sierra Leone — African Law Reports · 1950-56

Principle established: The Crown's prerogative power to legislate for a settled colony is limited to establishing representative institutions, requiring reliance on Parliamentary statutes such as the British Settlements Acts for further legislative acts.