A widow’s entitlement to the property of her late husband

25th October 2019

In 2018, two weeks after her husband of 25 years had been buried, Mariatu was summoned to a meeting by her in-laws. “The family has agreed that your husband’s younger brother would take you as his fifth wife. He will be in charge of your 3 children and his brother’s property. You cannot refuse or else you have to leave the home empty-handed. This is our custom.” Said Mr. Kabbah, one of her in-laws.

Ten years today—31st October 2009, I was certified by the then Hon. Chief Justice as having successfully passed the Bar Final Examinations. But four years before that, I was a drop-out from Fourah Bay College. I was in year two (sophomore), writing the now Justice Miatta Samba’s First Semester Contract Law exams when I was whisked out of the examinations hall, like a common criminal, for failing to pay my college tuition fees.

Across the world, attitudes towards the mentally ill are changing. There is a growing understanding that mental health problems are no different from other illnesses, and can be cured if approached with care, empathy, and dignity. Unfortunately, Sierra Leone seems oblivious to these changes and remains one of the worst countries for people with a mental disorder. Unfounded cultural beliefs, lack of resources and archaic laws continue to fuel stigma against the mentally ill, resulting in gross human rights violations.

By Alpha Sesay

I recently spoke at a Harvard Law School panel about the work of the Special Court for Sierra Leone (SCSL). The panel followed a screening of Rebecca Richman Cohen’s very powerful documentary on the work of the SCSL “War Don Don.” I had a pleasure of sharing the panel with Rebecca herslelf along with other notable Harvard faculty. In speaking on the Court’s legacy, I had cause to reflect on a recent piece by prolific writer Osman Benk Sankoh on the embarrassing state of the former SCSL courthouse—now in a state of dilapidation.

Sorie-sengbe’s poser!
TOWARDS A RENAISSANCE…BY THE NEW DIRECTION?

On 7th March 2019, President Bio addressed the Institute of Politics at Harvard Kennedy School of Government on the Topic: ‘Toward a New Renaissance in Sierra Leone: A New, Bolder Vision’. I have both read and watched the speech and it’s tempting to rank it as perhaps, in eloquence, the best presidential speech of our country’s presidency in recent times. 

The Sorie-sengbe Poser!

CAN A BORN-AGAIN CHIEF JUSTICE REVIVE THE JUDICIARY?
 

                                                                            By: Augustine Sorie-sengbe Marrah esq.

A new direction in an old constitutional wineskin?

By: Augustine Sorie-sengbe Marrah esq.

IS  THE  JUDICIARY,  THE  NEW  DIRECTION’S  “NO  FLY      ZONE”?

By:                                                  Sorie-sengbe                                                  Marrah

By Alimamy Sultan Koroma Esq.

1. INTRODUCTION

As the proud grandson and namesake of a former Susu Tribal Head in Freetown, I am keenly aware of the significant role Tribal Authorities play towards national development.

 A new direction in an old constitutional wineskin?

By: Augustine Sorie-sengbe Marrah esq.