The Protector Becomes the Predator: The Perception of Judicial Corruption and Demand for Judicial Accountability in Sierra Leone

The judiciary is the arm of government responsible for implementing the laws of any nation and settling disputes between government and citizens and between and among citizens. However, justice is never guaranteed when the judiciary is perceived as corrupt. Most third-world countries have faced enormous challenges with their tribunals for decades. Anti-graft scholars have identified several species of corruption within the judicial system, which undermine the execution of their sacred roles. Firstly, political interference to influence the outcome of the adjudication of disputes; secondly, bribery of judicial actors such as judges, court staff, victims, and court witnesses; thirdly, abuse of office by dereliction of duties or using the judicial office for the enrichment; and fourthly, mismanagement of resources which affect the efficiency of the justice delivery. This article sheds light on the perception of judicial corruption, especially in Sierra Leone, and the urgent need to demand accountability from the courts, who are supposed to be the accountability police. The chapter demonstrates that judicial accountability is long overdue in Sierra Leone since corruption within her justice system has festered in the dark of the long years of non-accountability of the judiciary.