02/06/2025
How informed are you about criminal procedure? Here are a few things to note.
Criminal Procedure refers to rules and regulations that govern how criminal cases are handled from start to finish (initial investigations, arrest, trial and sentencing).
1. Investigations are an initial step in criminal proceedings. This is where police make examinations to gather evidence and determine if a crime has been committed and who may have committed it.
2. Once they have a suspect, that person may be arrested because there is a reasonable belief that he/she committed a crime.
3. After the arrest, the suspect is taken to the prosecution office where he/she is formally charged with a specific crime. It is also at this stage where the suspect is taken to court to be informed of the charges, their rights and to determine bail or release.
4. The next step is trial and sentencing. This is a formal legal proceeding where evidence is presented and witnesses are examined. The judge will afterwards determine guilt or innocence. If the suspect is found guilty, the judge may then sentence him/her to imprisonment, or a fine, or other penalties.
5. Appeal. This is the last stage. Where a person has been convicted, he/she may appeal that conviction to a higher court if they have reasonable belief that the trial court made errors.
You can learn more on criminal procedure in “The Criminal Procedure and Evidence Act no.7 of 1981. It is available on eng@1981-12-31" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://lesotholii.org/akn/ls/act/1981/7/eng@1981-12-31
