Mandate & Overview

The Judiciary of Sierra Leone is the third arm of the State, independent of the Executive and the Legislature, and entrusted with the administration of justice on behalf of the people of Sierra Leone.

Constitutional mandate

The judicial power of Sierra Leone is vested in the Judiciary by Chapter VII of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No. 6 of 1991). The Judiciary is headed by the Chief Justice and comprises the Superior Court of Judicature and such inferior and traditional courts as Parliament may by law establish. In the exercise of its judicial functions the Judiciary is subject only to the Constitution and the law, and is not subject to the control or direction of any other person or authority.

The Judiciary is responsible for interpreting and applying the laws of Sierra Leone, determining disputes between persons and between persons and the State, safeguarding the Constitution, and protecting the fundamental human rights and freedoms guaranteed to every individual.

The Superior Court of Judicature

The Superior Court of Judicature consists of three courts arranged in a hierarchy of appeal:

• The Supreme Court — the final court of appeal and the guardian of the Constitution, with original jurisdiction in all matters relating to the interpretation and enforcement of the Constitution.
• The Court of Appeal — which hears appeals from judgments, decrees and orders of the High Court of Justice.
• The High Court of Justice — which has original jurisdiction in civil and criminal matters, and supervisory jurisdiction over inferior courts and adjudicating authorities.

Inferior and local courts

Below the Superior Court of Judicature, the Magistrates' Courts exercise limited civil and criminal jurisdiction across the judicial districts established under the Courts Act, 1965. Local Courts administer customary law in accordance with the Local Courts Act. Together these courts bring justice closer to communities throughout the country.