By Ibrahim Sorie Dumbuya
In a nation where the public’s trust in the judiciary has been notably declining, it is imperative for the judicial officers within the court system to take proactive measures aimed at regaining and restoring the once revered integrity and esteemed reputation of the judicial process. The erosion of public confidence in the legal system not only threatens the foundation of justice but also undermines the fundamental principles upon which fair and impartial adjudication is built.
One alarming trend that has become increasingly prevalent in courtrooms is the troubling phenomenon of delayed resolutions—be it judgments, rulings, or swift proceedings. These delays are often exacerbated by the apathy and lack of diligence exhibited by certain lawyers, who may either be uninterested in their commitments or possibly involved in collusion with some judges or magistrates. Such behaviour raises serious ethical concerns and calls into question the motivations behind these postponements.
The chief justice, in an admirable effort to manage a substantial backlog of cases, finds their work undermined by the ineffectiveness of certain legal practitioners whose laziness not only violates established court rules but also results in significant injustice to the parties involved in these cases. When legal representatives fail to adhere to their responsibilities, be it through negligence, procrastination, or any form of deliberate obstruction, they create a ripple effect that detrimentally impacts the entire judicial process. This behaviour exacerbates an already burdened system, further delaying justice for individuals who are eagerly awaiting resolution of their legal matters.
The implications of such actions are considerable; they contribute to a growing sense of disillusionment among the public regarding the efficacy of the judiciary. A legal system that is perceived as slow and ineffective can foster a broader societal cynicism towards law and order, ultimately leading to a lack of respect for the institutions put in place to uphold justice. To mitigate these detrimental effects, it is crucial that judicial officers, lawyers, and all stakeholders within the system work cohesively to restore principles of accountability, efficiency, and transparency. By doing so, they can begin to rebuild the public’s trust and reaffirm the judiciary’s role as a vital arbiter of justice in society.
It is sometimes demeaning when we realise that judges are aware of lawyers who contravene court rules, despite their duty to maintain professionalism and effectiveness. Justice Sulaiman Bah is currently presiding over a case involving the Mansaray family in a land dispute matter, whose lawyer has submitted arguments to him for over a year. Meanwhile, the lawyer representing Ina Wray, the opposing party, has suspiciously failed to respond to these submissions. This delay is causing the Mansaray family to feel increasingly worried and lose trust in the judicial process.
However, Justice Sulaiman Bah, known for his reputable conduct and uncompromising character, has the public’s confidence that he will act swiftly to compel Ina Wray’s lawyer to adhere to the established rules of practice in the Court of Appeal. This situation should not be one where “he who pays the piper dictates the tune.” Investigation continues.
