In simple terms
Local court procedure is designed to be simple and accessible. Proceedings are informal, the court applies customary law, and appeals must be lodged quickly.
Starting a case
Summons: A civil claim or a charge is begun by a issued by the local court on a complaint.
Who sits: A Chairman sits with members drawn from the community, assisted by a clerk.
Hearing
Informality: Proceedings are less formal than in the general courts, and rules of evidence are applied flexibly.
Audience: The Attorney-General's right of audience in all courts expressly excludes local courts (s.64).
Language: Proceedings are often conducted in the local language.
Judgment and appeal
Judgment: The court records its decision and any order, such as payment of compensation or a fine.
Appeal: A party aggrieved may appeal to the District Appeal Court. A local court judgment should not be executed until the time for appeal (traditionally fifteen days) has passed.
Natural justice: Both sides must be heard and the court must be free from bias. Breach of these rules can be corrected by the superior courts.
Words and Latin in this note
- Natural justice
- Two rules of fair procedure: no one should be a judge in his own cause, and each side must be heard. Open the note.
Memory map
Procedure in local courts
Starting a case
- Summons
- Who sits
Hearing
- Informality
- Audience
- Language
Judgment and appeal
- Judgment
- Appeal
- Natural justice
Key points
- Local court proceedings start by summons and…
- A Chairman sits with members drawn from the…
- The Attorney-General has no right of audience…
- Appeals go to the District Appeal Court and…
Cases
- Ridge v Baldwin
Key terms
- Natural justice
Take-home points
- Local court proceedings start by summons and are informal.
- A Chairman sits with members drawn from the community.
- The Attorney-General has no right of audience in local courts (s.64).
- Appeals go to the District Appeal Court and must be made promptly.
- applies and the superior courts can correct breaches.
Cases in this topic
Lecture notes on this subject
- Court Structure: Overview of the Sierra Leone JudiciarySierra Leone legal system
- Sierra Leone Legal System: Diploma Examination PaperSierra Leone legal system
- Sierra Leone Legal System: Diploma Examination AnswersSierra Leone legal system
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