Accra: Managing Editor of the Insight Newspaper, Kwesi Pratt Jnr, has raised concerns over calls to delay ongoing court cases during the legal vacation, warning that such actions could compromise the right to a speedy trial.
According to Ghana Web, Pratt discussed the implications of suspending court proceedings during the legal vacation in a video. He highlighted that this break, spanning from August 1 to September 30, could lead to delays of up to four months for some cases. Pratt explained that judges are entitled to take their own vacations after the legal break, which could further extend the delay in the hearing of cases.
Pratt emphasized that the legal vacation is not mandatory for the Bar and that courts have traditionally remained operational during this period, a practice he described as normal. He noted that the Chief Justice has the authority to appoint certain judges as vacation judges to preside over important cases or those involving the rights of accused persons during this time.
He questioned the motivations behind calls to suspend court proceedings, asserting that the decision of when courts should sit lies with the bench, not the Bar. Pratt expressed particular concern about the impact of delaying criminal trials on accused individuals who might be in custody, emphasizing their right to a speedy trial.
Pratt found it unusual that some accused individuals or their lawyers would advocate for delaying their cases, questioning the benefits of such delays for the accused. He stressed the potential consequences for those unable to secure bail, arguing that the desire for vacation should not come at the expense of justice.
Pratt challenged lawyers to consider whether they would still support delays if their clients' rights were being violated or their lives endangered. He maintained that the argument for speedy trials remains critical, as unnecessary delays can be burdensome and detrimental to accused individuals.
In conclusion, Pratt questioned the rationale behind halting proceedings when evidence could ultimately determine an accused person's guilt or innocence.