ROBERTSPORT, Grand Cape Mount — The Resident Judge of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Court in Robertsport, Grand Cape Mount County, Ousman F. Feika, has urged judicial actors and a cross-section of citizens to recognize their shared obligation to help rid society of illicit and harmful drugs.
Judge Feika made this statement during his charge at the formal opening of the November 2024 A.D. term of court on Monday, November 11, 2024.
According to Judge Feika, individuals charged with drug offenses are not deemed guilty before trial, as is often perceived by the public. He emphasized that alleged drug offenders are entitled to a fair and impartial trial like anyone else accused of violating the law.
“It is, therefore, my candid advice that accused drug traffickers or offenders take advantage of the court to address their cases and have the opportunity to exonerate themselves from the charges,” Judge Feika told the gathering.
“You cannot clear yourself of a charge brought against you by law enforcement officers by refusing to come to court and failing to put up a strong defense in favor of your innocence,” he added.
Judge Feika further asserted, “We have an obligation to enhance the rule of law and commit to a fair and impartial trial for all, regardless of one’s status in society.”
“We must all work together to ensure that the perception of a corrupt judiciary is nothing more than a cliché,” Judge Feika stated.
He also cautioned lawyers to file their legal memoranda for the disposition of legal issues before the hearing date, as timely filing allows for rulings on legal matters to be made on the day of the hearing, preventing unnecessary postponements.
The Grand Cape Mount County resident judge explained that there have been challenges with the timely filing of legal memoranda by lawyers and emphasized the intention to enforce this requirement rigorously going forward.
He clarified to the lawyers that he is not interested in imposing fines for failure to file legal memoranda but that the court requires adherence to this legal obligation.
Meanwhile, the Grand Cape Mount Bar re-elected their President, Cllr. Eugene Massaquoi, and other officers unopposed.
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