State Proceedings Act, 2000
An Act governing civil proceedings by and against the State (Government) in Sierra Leone.
Summary
The State Proceedings Act, 2000 governs civil legal proceedings by and against the State (the Government) in Sierra Leone. It regulates the circumstances in which, and the manner in which, the Government may sue and be sued, placing the State's liability on a clearer footing.
The Act provides for the State's liability in contract and tort, the procedure for bringing proceedings against the Government (including notice requirements and the proper defendant, typically the Attorney-General), the conduct of such litigation, and the satisfaction of judgments against the State. It balances citizens' access to redress against the State with appropriate procedural protections for government.
Main provisions
- Governs civil proceedings by and against the State.
- Provides for the State's liability in contract and tort.
- Sets the procedure for suing the Government, including notice requirements.
- Identifies the proper defendant (the Attorney-General) in such proceedings.
- Provides for the conduct of litigation and satisfaction of judgments against the State.