Augustine Sorie-Sengbe, a prominent Sierra Leonean lawyer and presidential aspirant of the Sierra Leone Bar Association, has strongly criticized the recent decision to eliminate the jury system from the country’s criminal justice process.
In a statement, Sorie-Sengbe expressed deep concern over the implications of this decision, stating, “The removal of the jury system from our criminal justice system will have lasting repercussions. Accused individuals, within the stark realities of our justice system, should not be left vulnerable to the potential biases and limitations of a single judge, no matter their expertise.
He emphasized the historical role of the jury system as a safeguard against undue pressures in trials, particularly in cases involving serious offenses. “For centuries, the jury system has stood as a barrier against various influences that could sway the judgment of a lone individual,” he remarked.
Sorie-Sengbe cautioned that those responsible for removing the jury system may unwittingly expose the justice system to external pressures and potential interference, particularly in politically-charged cases.
“Those who advocate for its removal must understand the risks of relying solely on the judgment of a single judge, vulnerable to unseen forces and extrajudicial influences,” he warned.He concluded with a pointed remark, “In the future, you cannot claim ignorance to our warnings.
The debate surrounding the removal of the jury system continues to stir controversy within legal circles and among the public, highlighting concerns over the fairness and integrity of Sierra Leone’s criminal justice system.
