Local Courts Act, 2011
The current Act governing the local courts of Sierra Leone, bringing the administration of customary justice under the supervision of the Judiciary.
Summary
The Local Courts Act, 2011 is the modern statute governing the local courts that administer customary law in Sierra Leone. It replaced the Local Courts Act, 1963 and significantly reformed the system, notably by transferring supervision of the local courts from the executive to the Judiciary.
The Act provides for the establishment, constitution and jurisdiction of local courts, the appointment, qualifications and conduct of local court officials, the customary law they apply, and the recording, review and appeal of their decisions. It strengthens oversight, accountability and fairness in the administration of customary justice.
It was amended by the Local Courts (Amendment) Act, 2014.
Main provisions
- Establishes and governs the local courts administering customary law.
- Places the local courts under the supervision of the Judiciary.
- Provides for the appointment, qualifications and conduct of court officials.
- Defines their jurisdiction and the customary law applied.
- Provides for the recording, review and appeal of decisions.
- Strengthens oversight and fairness in customary justice.