MISSION STATEMENT

by keeping under review through public consultation and participation, all the law, both statutory and otherwise in force in Sierra Leone, from time to time for the purpose of their reform, development, consolidation and codification.

VISION

The vision of the commission is to ensure the existence of a developed framework of law providing legal resources for:

• the full enjoyment of justice by citizens
• the proper functions of national institution
• the promotion of national development specifically directed to Rule of Law; Good governance and democracy

In the course of its work, the Law Reform Commission seeks the following:

• increase external donor’s interest in support of its work
• increase domestic public awareness of, and information on the laws of Sierra Leone
• widespread public acceptance and abidance of new laws
• improved investment climate

A complete system of law in tune with current realities, productively responsive to the evolving needs of the Sierra Leone Society and its National development aspirations.

OBJECTIVES

1. Its objectives are directed towards the reviewing and reforming the law in force in Sierra Leone through:

• Modernization and development of the law
• Elimination of anomalies and other defeats in the law
• Repeal of obsolete and outdated legislation
• Consolidation of enactment

2. To carry out research into laws of Sierra Leone and its impact on national development.

3. To produce new legislation responsive to changing needs and evolving national priorities.

4. To involve the public in a participatory law reform process by educating and informing the public, obtaining public views on law reform issues.

5. To maintain and manage the Law Reform Commission and its secretariat.

In keeping with its mandate which is to keep under review, the laws of Sierra Leone, both statutory and others, with a view to their reforms, development, consolidation or codification, the Commission has so far produced the following draft bills:

1. Commercial Use of Land Act

2. Consumer Protection Act

3. Sexual Offences Act

4. Prevention of Cruelty to Children (Amendment) Act

5. The Sierra Leone Citizens (Amendment) Act

6. The Family Law Act

7. The Devolution of Estates Act

8. The Muslim Marriage (Amendment) Act

9. The Civil Marriage (Amendment) Act

10. The Christian marriage (Amendment) Act

11. The Registration of Customary Marriages and Divorces Act

12. The Partnership Act

13. The Domestic Violence Act

14. Diamond Cutting and Polishing Act

15. The Import and Export of Rough Diamonds Act

16. The Local Courts Act

These bills have already been submitted to the Attorney-General as required by law. Presently, the Commission has established Sub-Committees to review and, or propose new Legislation in the following areas:

1. The Law of Evidence
2. The Arbitration Act
3. The Law Officers Act
4. The Courts Act
5. The Prisons Act
6. Alternative Dispute Resolution

In achieving its objectives, the Commission has a list of strategies which it seeks to implement in order to acquire an intended output. These are as follows:

• Undertake systematic and detailed study of individual Statutes and particular areas of law in order to put together detailed recommendation for elimination of instances of conflict, obsolescence and anachronism, anomalies and other defects.

• Determine applicability and relevance of specific laws to current social situations and practice so as to get a report on the applicability and relevance of specific law treated.

• Identify conflicts in current laws and its implementation by contracting the services of consultants or experts for 3 months per law reform proposal.

• Establishment and operation of law review sub-committees with a view of holding consultative meeting.

• Investigate public perceptions and attitudes to specific law by conducting interview.

• To develop a research library with multiple copies of legislation of Sierra Leone 1961-2006, Sierra Leone Gazette, Daily Parliamentary Proceedings (Hansarch), Sierra Leone Series Law Reports, and Judgments of the Superior Courts of Judicature.

• Investigate better practice from other jurisdiction and conduct comparative review of different national systems of law by installing internet facilities in order to be able to access legal search engines in the web, making it easier to obtain other relevant National and International Statute, conventions, agreement and journals.

• Establish and maintain formal links with MDAs and NGOs for collaboration on legislative law reform initiatives by way of conducting meetings with MDAs and NGOs whose activities are connected with legislative and law reform initiatives.