{"id":217628,"date":"2021-03-28T05:58:14","date_gmt":"2021-03-28T00:28:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/?p=217628"},"modified":"2021-04-01T01:45:38","modified_gmt":"2021-03-31T20:15:38","slug":"where-ignorance-is-bliss","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.colombotelegraph.com\/index.php\/where-ignorance-is-bliss\/","title":{"rendered":"Where Ignorance Is Bliss…."},"content":{"rendered":"

By Upatissa Pethiyagoda<\/a> –<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Dr. Upatissa Pethiyagoda<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201c<\/span>Where ignorance is bliss, \u2018tis folly to be wise\u201d, \u201cit is better to keep one\u2019s mouth shut and be thought a fool, than to open it and provide the proof\u201d \u201cFools rush in where angels fear to tread.\u201d Despite being thus thrice warned, a TV programme that I have just watched, prompts me to comment on the subject of\u00a0 <\/span>\u201cThe Laws Delays.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The number of cases being heard or awaiting attention in our Judicial System, is frighteningly huge, (more than 20,000?) and the number of accused in detention is also scandalous. And many we hear, are in for failure to find sureties for bail determinations. Similarly, many are in for drug related offenses (minor peddlers or addicts). Drug addicts deserve counselling and rehabilitation more than incarceration. <\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to the inconvenience inflicted on the inmates, the State also spends much in feeding, guarding and housing detainees. The need for reform of the judicial system to obviate procedural delays all along the line, is an urgent need. The mere appointment of more judges, increasing court rooms and strengthening infrastructure facilities, alone will not suffice. The processes will need to be speeded up. It goes without saying that any changes or reforms should not compromise the dispensation of justice. In fact, changes must improve the quality of judicial process, and re-inforce the sanctity and respect for it. Some months ago, it was reported that sentence was for a murder committed in 1999 \u2013 one may cynically say \u201cin the last century\u201d! One can only hope that age has not dulled the accused\u2019s recall of his ghastly misdeed. As the clich\u00e9 goes, \u201cJustice delayed is justice denied\u201d.<\/span><\/p>\n

The major sticking points against speedy process, stem from seemingly ritualistic formalities. Before a case actually proceeds to trial, much time (of officials, counsel, litigants and witnesses) is needlessly spent on presenting peripherally concerned documents and records \u2013 all of which could be procured pre-trial. Long dates (suggestive of crowded diaries), not seldom, straddle political events (e.g Elections) which demonstrably impinge on process and fate. Suspicion of ulterior considerations or influences are to be expected. <\/span><\/p>\n

There are at least two respects by which the integrity and spirit of the Law could be challenged. Firstly, the outcome of a trial can be distorted either by contrived ambiguity in framing of the law, clumsy wording or fabrication of evidence, to result in either escape of a culprit or penalizing of an innocent. The forensic skill of counsel may determine which outcome. The financial ability to secure such service, is inordinately influential in formulating the verdict.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are apparently, two major systems followed in different contexts – the \u201cadversarial\u201d and the \u201cinquisitorial.\u201d In the adversarial system, each step in adjudication is subject to the Court\u2019s overview and satisfaction. Supporting documents, evidence from witnesses (where required), cross examinations, arguments, search of relevant jurisprudence, case priorities, addresses of Counsel, judge\u2019s directions to the jury and finally (?) the verdict. All of this process, punctuated by interventions of Court recesses, medical status of the key figures, transfers of judges and \u201cActs of God\u201d could, as in the case mentioned above, well absorb a quarter of a century of diligent effort. In the \u201cinquisitorial\u201d system, the Court or part of it is concerned with examining the facts of the case, while in the \u201cadversarial\u201d the Court acts as a referee between the contending Counsel. By definition, ours would be the \u201cadversarial\u201d system. <\/span><\/p>\n

It has to be up to the professionals to determine what suits us best. Perhaps a \u201chybrid\u201d system that embodies the better features of both, would be the ideal \u2013 a \u2019win-win\u2019 situation or provide \u2018the best of both Worlds\u2019. Simply increasing the number of judges, court houses, clerks and stenographers alone may not provide the sought- after, speedier dispensation of the Law. Radical changes rather than mere palliatives, should be the order of the day.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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