General News of Thursday, 23 October 1997

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15 Tribunal Chairmen Inducted Into Office

Accra,(Greater Accra) 20 Oct. The Chief Justice, Mr. Justice Isaac Kobina Abban, today told tribunal chairmen that they are to guide their panel members in areas where their knowledge of the law and court procedures may be wanting. Opening a two-week induction course for 15 newly-appointed chairmen of community tribunals in Accra, Mr. Justice Abban said they were being prepared for the efficient disposal of cases in the communities. He said the induction course was the final step without which they might find themselves deficient in the performance of their duties as chairmen and principal administrators of summary justice. The Chief Justice told them that their appointments were based on their qualifications, qualities and experiences. Mr. Justice Abban noted their different backgrounds, saying the seminar was to impart to them certain basic requirements and knowledge in the practice of law. ''You must also be furnished with our methods of judging between the rival claims of litigants and the standards by which, in criminal matters, you may come to the conclusion that an accused person can be said to be guilty of an offence beyond reasonable doubt.'' Mr. Justice Abban told them to strictly observe the ethics of the profession, saying this will not rpt not only assure them of a clear conscience but also grant them ''a place in our communities in particular, and in the society in general.''