By Joseph Momoh, D.S
Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, Hon. Justice Komba Kamanda, on Monday declared open a three-day capacity-building training for High Court judges, reaffirming the Judiciary’s commitment to independence, accountability, and a more effective justice system.
Speaking at the Brookfields Hotel in Freetown, Justice Kamanda said the training forms part of ongoing efforts to improve the knowledge, competence, and professionalism of judicial officers, while building public trust in the courts. He noted that continuous professional development is vital to ensure judges remain independent, accountable, and responsive to evolving legal and societal demands.
“This training will strengthen our analytical skills and help us think outside the box in addressing complex legal issues and the evolving challenges confronting the Judiciary,” he said. He added that his administration remains committed to reforms aimed at improving efficiency, integrity, and credibility within the justice sector.
The training will cover contemporary issues including the Rule of Law, Separation of Powers, the role of judges in a democracy, cybersecurity, modern statutory interpretation, the use of social media by judges, case management challenges, and other emerging areas of judicial practice.
In a pre-recorded address, Lord Thomas, former Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, said the Rule of Law is central to economic prosperity, democratic governance, and social stability. He explained that the Separation of Powers requires the three arms of government to operate independently within their constitutional mandates, without undue interference. He stressed that transparency, impartiality, and accountability are essential for the Judiciary to maintain public confidence.
Retired UK Judge, Dame Linda Dobbs, led a session on Judicial Ethics, Independence and Accountability. She outlined core ethical standards for judicial office and examined the opportunities and risks of social media for judges, drawing on codes of conduct from the United Kingdom and the United States.
Professor Richard Honey, speaking on the role of judges in a democracy, said judges have a constitutional duty to uphold the Rule of Law, protect fundamental rights, and preserve confidence in the justice system. He identified integrity, impartiality, independence, competence, diligence, courage, humility, and sound temperament as key qualities of an effective judge.
The three-day workshop is expected to produce practical insights to improve case management and align judicial practice with international standards.
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