A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF COURT ASSESSORS IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE IN UGANDA: A CASE STUDY OF THE CRIMINAL DIVISION OF THE HIGH COURT OF UGANDA

TABLE OF CONTENTS

DECLARATION ............................................................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . -. . i

APPROVAL ....................................................................................... . ······· .... ii

DEDICATION ................................................................................... . . .. iii

TABLE OF CONTENT .............................................................. . . ............. .......... iv

LIST OF STATUTES ......................................................................................... .

LIST OF CASES ................................................................................. .

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS ......................................................... .

ABSTRACT ....................................................................................... .

CHAPTER ONE .................................................................................................. .

1.0 Introduction ............................................................................ .

1.2 Theoretical Framework ........................................................ .

I .J Statement of the Problem ................................................... .

1 .4 Justification of the study ....................................................................... .

1 .5 Objectives of the study .......................................................................... .

1 .5. 1 General objective ................................................................ .

1.5.2 Specific Objectives .............................................. : .............. .

1 .6 Scope of the study ................................................................... .

l .6.1 Content scope ......................................................................... .

1. 7.2 Time scope ............................................................................................. .

1.7.3 Significance ofthe study ...................................................... .

1.7.4 Conclusion ............................................................................ .

. ......... vii

. .... viii

. ....... ix

. ... X

. .......... 1

. ... 1

.. 6

.7

8

9

. .. 9

. ... 9

. ......... 10

10

.10

10

.11

CHAPTER TW0 .......................................................................................................... 12

Literature Review . .................................................................................................... 12

2. 1 Introduction .............................................................................. .

2.2 Impact of assessors in the administration of justice .. .

2.3 Effectiveness of Assessors .................................................... .

2.4 Competence of assessors in the administration of justice.

iv

. 12

. 12

. ............. 13

········· 14

2.5 Mini- Conclusion ......................................................................................................... 20

CHAPTER THREE ..................................................................................................... 21

Legal Framework ...................................................................................................... 21

3.1 Introduction ............................................................................. .

3.2 The Constitution of Uganda 1995 as Amended ......... ..

3.3 The Trial on Indictments Act Cap 23 ......................... ..

3.4 The Evidence Act Cap 6 ................................................. ..

3.5 Mini- Conclusion ................................................................... .

... 21

.. .... 21

.. ... 23

.28

.. ....... 28

CHAPTER FOUR ........................................................................................................ 3D

Research Methodology, Presentation and Anaiysis of the Findings on the

objectives .................................................................................................................... 30

4. l Introduction .............................................................................................. .

4.1 Research Methodology ......................................................................... ..

4. 1.1 Introduction ........................................................................... .

4.2.2 Research design .............................................................. .

4 .2.3 Area of study ...................................................................... ..

4 .2.4 Research instruments ................................................... ..

4.2.5 Documentary Study .......................................................... .

4.2.6 Online Research ............................................................... .

4.2. 7 Data analysis .................................................................... .

4. 2. 8 Research procedure ........................................................... .

4.2. 9 Limitations ............................................................................ .

4.2. 10 Chapterization ......................................................................................... .

4.3 Relevancy of court assessors .................................................. .

4.3 Competence of assessors ....................................................... .

.. .... 30

.. ... 30

.. ......... 30

. .... 30

.. .... 31

.. .... 31

.. ....... 31

. ... 32

.. .... 32

.. ... 32

. .... 32

. .... 33

.. .... 38

.42

CHAPTER FIVE .......................................................................................................... 48

Recommendations and Conclusion ..................................................................... 48

5. 1 Introduction ............................................................................. . .. .. 48

v

5.2 Recommendations ............................................................ . . ······ 48

5.3 Conclusion ........................................................................... .

·········52

l~eferenees ....................................................................................... . ···················54

vi

LIST OF STATUTES

The Constitution of the Republic of Uganda 1995

The Trial on Indictments Act Cap 23

The Evidence Act Cap 6

The criminal Procedure Act cap 116

The Penal Code Act Cap 120

I CJU2 Order in Council