Judicial independence

Judicial independence is the cornerstone of our justice system .

The issue of judicial independence is central to the foundation of any democratic nation.

It is imperative that the judiciary being a key institution and an arm of the government must remain independent, neutral and impartial.

The judiciary must not be influenced and pressurised from any quarter.

For truth and justice to prevail, there must not be any influence or interference in the functions of a judicial institution.

Judicial independence means that judges are free to make their decisions without   interference or influence from any source, including elected officials like members of the National Assembly or cabinet ministers.

Our judges and magistrates have a responsibility to listen to both sides of the case, and then to make impartial, fair decisions based on the evidence and the law.

As a pro-democracy newspaper, we follow the actions and cases before Gambian courts with keen interest for the benefit of our esteemed readers.

When people lose faith in the judicial system of any country, which is supposed to be the protector of all of them, that country’s judiciary would be in jeopardy.

It would also force people to take the law into their own hands, even though courts exist.

Our judges and magistrates as well as cadis should ensure they continue to safeguard the integrity of this great arm of government.

We must ensure that the rule of law prevails, at all cost, irrespective of who is involved in the case.

Please remember that judicial independence is guaranteed by the 1997 Constitution of the Republic of The Gambia, and that we must uphold it.