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CJ cautions
magistrates against arbitrary use of powers
Accra, Dec. 23, GNA – The Chief Justice, Mrs
Justice Georgina T. Wood on Tuesday cautioned magistrates
against arbitrary use of powers when discharging their
professional duties.
She said: “It has been said that some magistrates get so
intoxicated on their perceived powers and turn themselves
into despots. Please be reminded of the oath you have
taken.”
Mrs Justice Wood gave the warning at the induction of 10
newly qualified magistrates (six men and four women) to
serve in various capacities across the country.
They constitute the second batch of newly qualified
magistrates who had gone through a two-year professional
training at the Ghana Law School in Accra.
The first batch passed out in October this year.
The career magistrate course, which commenced in September
2004, formed part of the judicial reform that seeks to offer
training to graduates to fill vacancies in the country’s
district magistrate courts.
Mrs Justice Wood who administered the Judicial and Oath of
Secrecy urged them not to compromise on their integrity
adding, “Integrity is a basic judicial value and
compromising this severely erodes public confidence in the
judiciary.”
“Civility is not a sign of weakness but rather strength of
character. Behaving like a tin-god would not only earn you
disdain but earn up being highly unproductive as it affects
litigants who have come to court to seek relief,” she told
them.
The Chief Justice urged them to be mindful of their conduct
since they could be subjected to criticisms.
“This should not discourage or alarm you, always keep in
mind that if you dispense justice according to law you have
a vast rich life on the bench.”
Mrs Justice Wood advised them to constantly upgrade
themselves to enable them meet the needs of society, “Your
learning must not be limited to only the law as you would be
adjudicating on cases from a broad spectrum of life.”
“In addition to what you have learnt, you would also require
a large degree of common sense, which is very important
element in the discharge of your duties. The career path you
have chosen abhors indolence and tardiness,” Mrs Justice
Wood said.
Mrs Justice Wood called on them to open up to constructive
criticism but not to be discouraged from dispensing justice
according to law.
Ms Janet Larbi, on behalf of her colleagues pledged to work
hard to uplift the image of the judicial service.
GNA |
