IT depends on individual interpretations, but for me, I personally think court judges should be judged by the public.
Judges are specialists who are good in their own tasks but they are humans too and their decisions should not always be trusted because they can be erred in their judgments at times and of course corruption is endemic in the country, so their neutrality must not be left unchecked.
I remember reading in this paper as an article about an expatriate whose case was pending in court, accusing a magistrate with allegations the local magistrate was calling him and asking for $50,000 so that the magistrate can judge in his favour and or dismiss the case?
That expatriate also recorded the conversation on his phone and presented it to the high court.
This if true is a classic example of why our judges can be a bit of a problem especially when dealing with court cases that involves people with money or business people or firms.
That above allegation should be a wake-up call and I think it is worth raising this issue so that the public is aware of and can judge the judges according to outcome of court cases.
The Prosecution with the help of Police investigators should also boost their performance to avoid letting certain criminals off the hook.
There were a few cases I remember that poor investigations and prosecution resulted in people walking out free.
The judges can’t be blame too at times because they only judge cases based on evidence and how parties present their convincing arguments in court.
I am not a legal practitioner or a lawyer but a concern public person who thinks the justice system is very important and a public call must be made to ensure proper job is done.
Recently, the National Council of Women expressed concern over a judgment last week, of a man who raped his 10-year-old daughter.
The father was sentenced to 2 and half years in jail.
It is difficult to argue the punishment imposed but to a public person, such is like wiping the father on the face with a feather.
The magistrate may have been right based on arguments presented in court but the whole picture to the public is on the other hand not favourable to sending a clear message to would be offenders.
To all judges, prosecutors and police investigators, you have a big responsibility and we members of the public may have forgotten or ignored you many times, but we appreciate and thank you for all diligence in executing your duties on behalf of the state.
You have been very hard working and you deserve fair recognition from the government in order for you to perform your jobs effectively.
This short view is purposely to remind you all that we members of the public are still here and expect you to perform as expected which you have done a splendid job so far.
Keep working hard and doing the fine job. We thank you and hope the government realize the importance of your jobs and remunerate you accordingly soon.
By James Nunu Ato
Koleridge
