2. The colonial legal system

The settlement and the Colony

The 1787 settlers: The first settlers arrived on the peninsula in 1787 under a scheme associated with Granville Sharp, who drew up regulations for the self-governing settlement.

Sierra Leone Company and Crown Colony: The Sierra Leone Company later ran the settlement under a charter. In 1808 Sierra Leone became a British Crown Colony, and English law and English-style courts were applied in the Colony.

The Protectorate

The 1896 Protectorate: In 1896 Britain declared a Protectorate over the hinterland. The Protectorate Ordinance of 1896 set up a system of indirect rule through Paramount Chiefs.

Native courts: Courts of native chiefs heard disputes between natives under customary law, while serious matters and cases involving non-natives went to courts applying English law. This split between Colony and Protectorate is the origin of the dual court system.

The West African Court of Appeal

A shared appeal court: For much of the colonial period appeals from the superior courts of the British West African colonies, including Sierra Leone, went to the West African Court of Appeal (WACA), and from there to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in London.

Constitutional steps

Early instruments: The Colony was governed under letters patent and royal instructions, beginning with the Charter and constitution of 1863, which created executive and legislative councils.

The 1924 Constitution: The 1924 Constitution introduced elected members to the Legislative Council and gave the Protectorate representation through Paramount Chiefs for the first time.