Local Courts Act, 1963
The Act that established and governed the local courts administering customary law in the provinces of Sierra Leone.
Summary
The Local Courts Act, 1963 established and governed the local courts of Sierra Leone — the courts that administer customary law in the provinces. These courts handle civil and certain criminal matters under customary law and are an important part of the justice system for most Sierra Leoneans.
The Act provided for the constitution and jurisdiction of local courts, the appointment of court officials (including local court chairmen), the law they apply, and their supervision and the review of their decisions. It long remained the governing law before being replaced by the Local Courts Act, 2011, which brought the courts under the supervision of the Judiciary.
Main provisions
- Establishes the local courts administering customary law.
- Provides for their constitution and jurisdiction.
- Provides for the appointment of local court officials.
- Provides for the customary law applied and its ascertainment.
- Provides for supervision and review (later replaced by the 2011 Act).