Category: Prosecution

Examination in chief This is the questioning of a witness by a party who calls him/her as a witness. It is also known as direct…

Op1. Opening Statements Opening statements are generally fairly short and focus on the key facts that you will present. You deliver an opening statement in…

Having a legal strategy helps you to present your case in the best and most efficient manner. It also helps you to anticipate and counter defences. Further, it ensures that you present all the evidence required by the close of your case.

It is important to undertake a thorough analysis of your case once you make a decision to charge. Case analysis helps you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your case. Further, it allows you to gauge how to best apply the evidence you have to ensure a fair trial.

Courts play an important role in breathing life into the legislative process by interpreting the law. They are bridges between science and law.

Judicial independence means autonomy of the courts from external actors. It is the ability of the judiciary to carry out its mandate free of influence…

(a) Aggravating Factors Aggravating factors are factors that the court takes into account in order to increase the severity of punishment. Prosecutors can offer evidence…

Sentencing principles are the rationales supporting the imposition of penalties and form the basis of sentencing decisions. These principles include: (a) Parsimony This principle dictates…

Types of punishment that may be imposed include capital punishment, imprisonment, judicial corporal punishment, fines, compensation, forfeiture and confiscation, costs, security to keep the peace, security for good behaviour, suspended sentences, discharges, probation, community service and revocation of rights.

A sentence is a decree of punishment. Sentencing frameworks range from highly prescriptive systems that afford judicial officers very little discretion to systems that allow them to exercise wide discretion.