Your sentences are too harsh – the Chief Justice tells judges of lower courts

General News of Saturday, March 30, 2019

Source: 3news.com

2019-03-30

Chief Justice Sophia Akuffo stated that the sentences of some lower court judges for persons convicted of various crimes throughout the country were either lenient or too harsh and did not meet the judicial guidelines.

In an internal memo seen by 3news.com, the Chief Justice complained of the growing practice among magistrates and lower court judges, stating that these sentences were generally not commensurate with the crimes committed.

"I am receiving more and more information about convictions by magistrates and judges, which do not comply with sentencing guidelines," she said in a memo from 12 March addressed to all the judges of the High Supervisory Court.

"Some of them [sentences] are either too lenient or too hard and disproportionate to the offense, "she added.

To avoid further errors of law, the Chief Justice directed the High Court of Supervision judges to take care of the case and ensure that the practice was tainted.

"For this reason, and in order to maintain public confidence in the justice system, I charge you to take on the following duties with respect to judges and magistrates under your supervision," said Ms. Akuffo in memo.

In this regard, supervisors must monitor monthly convictions handed down by lower court judges to ensure "that they are reasonable and meet the need to discourage impunity, galamsey and lawlessness".

They must also certify all monthly reports of magistrates and judges of lower courts and follow all referrals.