legalaidboard

Legal Aid Board Sierra Leone Legal aid is a pivotal element of a fair, humane and efficient criminal justice system that is based on the rule of law. International law and standards are crystal clear on the fact that states should ensure a comprehensive legal aid system that is accessible, effective, sustainable, and credible so that justice can be accessible to all. Sierra Leone is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which provides for the right to fair trial and legal aid in Article 14(3) (d). The Sierra Leone Constitution also provides for this right in Sections 23 and 25.  Sierra Leone passed the Legal Aid Act in May 2012, thus establishing the Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board (LAB) which is an independent organ with an objective of providing legal aid nationwide. The Board’s core functions include the provision of legal information and education, provision of legal advice and legal representation in the court of law. Its functions further include

About the Legal Aid Board The Sierra Leone Legal Aid Board (LAB) is an independent non-profit organization established by an Act of Parliament in May 2012. It comprised a Board and a Secretariat. The organization commenced operation in May 2015 following the establishment of a Secretariat which is responsible for the administration and management of the scheme. The Board’s priority is to serve the interests of low income earners by providing them with legal advice and repres entation. This is needed for fair trial and to ensure equal treatment befor e the law which is the single most important precondition for suspects, detainees and accused persons to be able to exercise their rights. The lack of legal aid means a suspect or accused person awaiting trial or convict awaiting sentence will spend more time in detention because there is no lawyer to help apply for bail or prepare the case for trial. Mandate of the Legal Aid Board The mandate of LAB is to provide, administer, coord