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In analysing the hierarchy of courts in Ghana and their operations, they can be compared to that of the British Common Law system. The system is said to be built on a foundation which Ghana acquired from the common law of the Anglo-Saxon, statutory law and other documents. Since the independence of the country in 1957, the courts have been operating in a way that grants the citizens the opportunity to take part in the administration of justice. This has been possible through the operations of public and customary tribunals, among others, as spelt out in Article 125 (2) of the constitution of the Republic of Ghana. In this article, we take a look at the hierarchy of these Ghanaian courts and also discuss the operations of each of them. Basically, the operations of the courts of the Republic of Ghana are adversarial in nature. This adversarial system gives the opposing sides the opportunity to compete in convincing the judge and jury based on the facts they present. In this situation, the Judge or Magistrate operates independently and is expected to deliver his judgement after hearing out each of the parties. Levels of courts in Ghana There are mainly two levels or categories of courts in Ghana. These categories are based on the legal procedures of Britain. The court levels are: - The Superior Courts of Judicature: Under this division are the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, the High Court and the Regional Tribunal. - The Lower Courts: The Lower Courts consist of the Circuit Court, District Court and Judicial Committee of the National House of Chiefs. Another court under this level is a Judicial Committee of the Regional House of Chiefs. Then, other lower courts that may be established by law through the Parliament would come under this category. The difference between these levels of courts is that while the Superior Courts were created by the constitution, the Lower Courts came from the Courts Act. Types of law courts in Ghana Under the Ghanaian judicial system, there are mainly five types of courts in Ghana. They are listed below based on their hierarchy: - The Supreme Court - The Court of Appeal - The High Court - The Circuit Court - The District Court Every other court in Ghana is grouped under the courts listed above. So, let us take a look at each of these courts. READ ALSO: Fundamental human rights in Ghana and institutions to report violations Supreme Court of Ghana The Supreme Court is the highest court in the country and it is under the leadership of the Chief Justice. There are not less than nine justices who work with the Chief Justice and five constituted panel of judges. Seen as the last court where anyone can make an appeal, the Court has its jurisdiction in terms of how it enforces or interprets the constitutional law. The Court has a supervisory jurisdiction over all the other courts that exist in Ghana. As a result, it can decide whether the law enacted by a lower court was made as a result of the excess power available to the Parliament or other authorities that are subject to the constitution. Constitutionally, the Chief Justice presides over all sittings of the Supreme Court. In the appointment of any Chief Justice in Ghana, the President consults the Council of State to determine who is fit. After this is settled, he then goes ahead to get the approval of the Parliament. It is after this process that the Chief Justice is determined. Functions of the Supreme Court in Ghana Specifically, the functions of the Supreme Court are listed below: - It is the only court with the right to hear appeals that may come from the National House of Chiefs. - It ensures that there is fairness and consistency in the application of the law. It also makes sure that justice is upheld in the country so that no one is deprived of justice in any court of law. - The Supreme Court is considered as the final appellate court of the country. This is because based on the constitutional right vested in it, appeals of a trial court can be considered there. - The Court also reserves the right to interpret the constitution. As a result of this, it is expected that whatever interpretation it gives must be accepted and respected by everyone. - In situations where questions about the law are raised, the Supreme Court has the advisory jurisdiction of expressing the final opinion on the matter. The Court of Appeal The next in the hierarchy of courts in Ghana is the Court of Appeal. Just as the name implies, the Court has the jurisdiction under the constitution to hear and decide appeals from any judgement or order that is made by the High Court or any of the Regional Tribunals. In terms of composition, the Court consists of a Chief Justice and, at least, 10 other Justices. According to the constitution, every lower court is expected to follow whatever decision is made by the Court of Appeal on any issue that relates to the law. This is in accordance with article 136 (5) of the constitution of the Republic of Ghana. The High Court The High Court is composed of a Chief Justice and not less than twenty Justices. The jurisdiction of the Court involves hearing all civil or criminal matters. It has the constitutional right to hear appeals from the District Court as well as criminal appeals that may come from the Circuit Court. More so, based on the Fundamental Human Rights and Freedom spelt out in the 1992 Constitution of the country, the Court has the exclusive jurisdiction to enforce them. Thus, it plays a supervisory jurisdiction over all the lower courts and other inferior judicial bodies that are based in the country. Names of High Courts in Ghana To help promote specialisation, the High Court has a number of divisions. The essence of these divisions is to help members of the public to determine where exactly to go based on their issues of concern. At the moment, there are many High Courts that operate in various locations in Ghana. The names of these High Courts are listed below: - Fast Track Court - Commercial Court - Labour Court - Human Rights Court - Land Court - Economic and Financial Crimes Court - Family Court - Probate and Administration The Circuit Court Although being a part of the lower courts, the Circuit Court has a jurisdiction over both criminal and civil cases. The Court is headed by a Circuit Judge. The Court has jurisdiction over any civil case such as ownership and title to land disputes, that may arise between a landlord and a tenant and title to land. It also has jurisdiction over matters that involve the custody of children. It can also hear out criminal matters that do not have anything to do with treason or offences punishable by death. Some of the criminal matters include cases like defilement and assault. When there are civil cases like matrimonial and adoption of children issues, the Court can hear them. But then, if an appeal on a civil case arises from the Circuit Court, it can be addressed by the Court of Appeal while appeals from criminal cases are handled by the High Court. READ ALSO: Law school candidates unhappy with examinations and call for cancellation The District Court The District Court takes the largest share of the total number of courts that are in Ghana. Every district within the country has not less than one District Court. These District Courts are usually set up by the Chief Justice and they have the jurisdiction to hear out criminal and civil cases. Every District Court is headed by a Magistrate who is expected to be of proven character. The Court can hear out matters that relate to divorce and matrimonial issues. It can preside over issues that deal with ownership, possession or occupation of land between a landlord and a tenant. But then, the Court's jurisdiction only covers landed properties that do not exceed GHC 10,000,000. District Courts in Ghana The following are some of the District Courts that are based in Ghana. - Motor Court - Family Court - The Juvenile Court. With the hierarchy of courts in Ghana, the judicial system of the country is able to operate within their jurisdiction. An understanding of this hierarchy helps citizens flow well with judicial operations. By this, citizens are able to follow a due process in filing their cases and seeking redress of judgements that have been passed, which they think are faulty. Source: Yen.com.gh
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Reifreann ar an gCúirt Achomhairc, anailís le Seán Mícheál Ó Donnchadha Cad tá i gceist leis an Reifreann ar an gCúirt Achomhairc? De bharr go bhfuil an béim go léir ar an Reifreann faoin Seanad tá neamhaird tugtha ar an Reifreann don Chúirt Achomhairc. Ach tá an dara Reifreann freisin ann ar an 4ú Deireadh Fhómhair. Má ghlactar leis an reifreann seo d’fheadfadh sé an t-athchóiriú is mó ar chóras na gcúirteanna ó 1937 a thabhairt isteach. Iarann an reifreann seo ar vótóirí cinneadh a dhéanamh cúirt idirmheánach a cheadú idir an Ard-Chúirt agus an Chúirt Uachtarach. I gcás go rithfear an reifreann seo, éistfidh an Chúirt Achomhairc nua: • formhór na n-achomharc a éisteann an Chúirt Uachtarach faoi láthair • beagnach gach achomharc ar bhreitheanna na hArd-Chúirte • achomhairc ó chúirteanna eile i gcás go rithfí dlíthe chuige sin. Cén fáth go bhfuil gá le cúirt eile? Tá an córas cúirte faoi bhrú. Cé nach bhfuil sé coitianta in áiteanna eile sa domhan is é an Chúirt Uachtarach an chúirt achomhairc chríochnaitheach do gach cás ón Ard-Chúirt, beag beann ar an bhfuil ceist bhunreachtúil ann. Tá méadúsuntasach tagtha ar líon na gcásanna a éistfear san Ard-Chúirt agus líon na mbreitheamh méadaithe san chúirt sin ó seacht go dtí tríocha seacht thar na blianta. Achomhairc chuig an gCúirt Uachtarach Sa ghnáthchúrsa, beidh breith na Cúirte Achomhairc ina breith chríochnaitheach. I roinnt cásanna, déanfar achomharc chuig an gCúirt Uachtarach ón gCúirt Achomhairc agus féadfaidh roinnt achomharc bheith ann a chuirfidh an Ard-Chúirt faoi bhráid na Cúirte Uachtaraí go díreach. I gcás go rithfear an reifreann seo: • Éistfidh an Chúirt Uachtarach achomhairc ón gCúirt Achomhairc i gcás go measfaidh an Chúirt Uachtarach: – go bhfuil leas an phobail i gceist leis an mbreith nó – go bhfuil leas an cheartais i gceist leis an achomharc. • Éistfidh an Chúirt Uachtarach achomhairc a chuirfidh an Ard-Chúirt ar aghaidh chuici go díreach i gcás go measfaidh sí go bhfuil cúinsí eisceachtúla i gceist a thacódh le hachomharc díreach chuici. Beidh ar an gCúirt Uachtarach bheith deimhin de: – go bhfuil leas an phobail ag baint leis an mbreith agus/nó – go bhfuil leas an cheartais ag baint leis an achomharc sin. Achomhairc atá fós le héisteacht Cuirfear forálacha eile san áireamh i moladh an reifrinn a bhaineann lena dtarlaíonn d’achomhairc a bhfuil an córas cúirteanna ag déanamh plé leo cheana tráth a mbunófar an Chúirt Achomhairc. De ghnáth, eiseoidh an Chúirt Uachtarach treoracha maidir leis na hachomhairc sin a fhéadfaidh an Chúirt Achomhairc a éisteacht. An Bhféadfadh an Chúirt Nua Déileáil le hachomharc Sibhialta nó Coiriúil ? Bheadh sé ag déileáil leis an dhá saghas cás. Ar an dtaobh coiriúil de bheadh sé ag déileáil le hobair an Chúirt Achomhairc Choiriúil, a suíonn um an dtaca seo ar bhonn ad hoc le breithimh ón Ard-Chúirt agus an Chúirt Uachtarach agus a bhfuil riaráistí suntasach oibre ann faoi láthair. Cé Mhéad Breithimh a Bheadh san Chúirt Achomhairc? Níl an uimhir tugtha sa Bhille ach dúirt an tAire Shatter dé réir réamh–mheastúchán [projection] i mhí Iúil go mbeadh deich riachtanach. Cad mar Gheall le Cúrsaí pá agus Pinseáin ? Níl a fhios againn go fóill. Dá nglacfaí leis an Reifreann dhéanfaí cúrsaí pá agus piseáin a leagadh amach dé réir reachtaíocht. Tá sé a rá i measc lucht dlí go mbeidh sé idir phá breithimh den Ard-Chúirt faoi láthair (€172,712) agus breithimh den Chúirt Uachtarach (€182,895). Cathain a gCuirfí ar Bhun é? Creideann an Rialtas go mbeadh sé ann i gcomhair Fómhair 2014. An mbeadh aon tioncair ag an Chúirt Achomhairc ar an mbunreacht? Bheadh athrú ar an mbunreacht ionas go mbeadh Uachtarán an Chúirt Achomhairc mar ionadaí ar an Phríomh–Bhreitheamh I gCoimisiúin an Uachtaráin. Is foras é Coimisiún an Uachtaráin a ghlacann air féin dualgais an Uachtaráin i gcás go bhfuil an tUachtarán as láthair nó i gcás nach bhfuil sé nó sí in ann feidhmiú ina ról ar chúiseanna éagsúla. Faoi láthair, is iad an Príomh-Bhreitheamh, an Ceann Comhairle (Cathaoirleach na Dála) agus Cathaoirleach an tSeanaid baill an Choimisiúin.Is é Uachtarán an Chúirt Achomhairc in ionad Uachtarán na hArd-Chúirte a bheadh ar an gComhairle Stáit freisin in ionad an Príomh-Bhreitheamh. Riail an aon bhreithiúnais amháin Is gá ar a laghad cúigear breithiúna a bheith ag suí sa Chúirt Uachtarach tráth a bhfuil breith á tabhairt an bhfuil dlí a rith an tOireachtas ina dhlí bunreachtúil nó nach bhfuil. Faoi láthair, sonraítear sa Bhunreacht go dtagann breith na Cúirte Uachtaraí sna cásanna seo ó bhreitheamh amháin. Ní fios ar easaontaigh aon duine de na breithiúna eile leis an mbreith nó cén fáth atá leis sin. I gcás go rithfear an reifreann seo: Bainfear an riail seo, nach féidir ach le breitheamh amháin an bhreith a thabhairt sna cásanna seo. Ansin beidh gach breitheamh in ann a thuairim nó a tuairim a chur in iúl. Sula gcuireann an tUachtarán a lámh le Bille, féadfaidh sé nó sí an Bille a tharchur chuig an gCúirt Uachtarach ionas go gcinnfí cibé an bhfuil sé bunreachtúil nó nach bhfuil. Níltear ag iarraidh, i moladh an reifrinn seo, é sin a athrú. Sna cásanna sin cuirfidh aon bhreitheamh amháin an bhreith sin in iúl. An Rud maith an Chúirt Achomhairc a bhunú? Tá daoine ann a dheireann go bhfuil gá le leasú bunúsach ar conas a oibríonn an córas dlí don chosmhuintir in Éirinn, cúrsaí costais san áireamh, mar tá sé chomh costasach dul go dtí an Ard-Chúirt gan trácht ar an Chúirt Uachtarach chun ceartais a fháil don saoránach. Deireann na daoine seo nach mbeidh san Chúirt Achomhairc ach cúirt eile le riaráistí de chásanna cosúil leis an Chúirt Uachtarach faoi láthair. Tá ghá le leasúcháin ar conas a dhéileálann na breithimh leis na cásanna. Sna Stáit Aontaithe caitheann na breithimh i bhfad níos lú ama ar éisteachtaí ó bhéal [oral hearings] agus déanann siad i bhfad níos mó obair ar na cásanna ina dlísheomraí [in their chambers] sa chaoi go dtógann na cásanna níos lú ama chun déileáil leo. Bíonn na breithimh agus na habhcóidí ag déileáil leis an iomarca páipéir, rud atá ait i laethanta seo an ríomhaire. Cosnóidh an Chúirt nua seo idir €2 agus €3 míle ag am go bhfuil bac le hearcú san Stáit Seirbhís go ginearálta agus go bhfuil gach earnáil idir phoiblí agus phríobháideach ag iarraidh níos mó a dhéanamh le níos lú acmhainní. Can a thaobh nach bhfuil na breithiúna in ann an rud cheanna a dhéanamh.? Dúnann Seirbhís na Cúirte gach bhliain do mhí Lúnasa agus Meán Fhómhair cé gur tháinig breithiúna na hArd-Chúirte air áis do mhí Mheán Fómhair i mbliana. Tá laethanta saoire beagnachchomh fada leis na polaiteoirí ag na breithiúna. Tráth go bhfuil an Rialtas ag iarraidh orainn fáil réidh le háisíneacht amháin stáit, An Seanad, chun airgead a shábháil an ndéanann sé ciall bheith ag bunú ceann eile i. An Chúirt Achomhairc seo?