New Criminal Procedure Rules enacted

The Chief Justice has enacted new Criminal Procedure Rules which came in effect on the 4th April 2013, having been laid before the House of Assembly by the Attorney-General on March 18, 2013 and officially Gazetted on April 4, 2013.

These Rules provide for a streamlined process for the preparation and conduct of criminal trials in both the Supreme Court and the Magistrates’ Court pursuant to which trial judges will actively manage the course of the cases and give appropriate directions aimed at achieving the overriding objective of dealing with cases fairly and expeditiously.

The Rules create a framework for case management procedures similar to those available in civil cases. The trial judge, together with the parties, will identify at an early stage matters such as the issues to be tried and the needs of witnesses. The trial judge will also be involved in monitoring the progress of cases, encouraging co-operation between the participants, discouraging delays and making use of technology. 

The Chief Justice has formally designated Puisne Judge Carlisle Greaves to exercise overall administrative control over criminal trials in the Supreme Court while Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner will continue to be administratively in charge of cases in the Magistrates’ Court.