On April 5th 2023, a One Day Training Workshop for Learned Magistrates of Anambra State Judiciary on the Administration of Criminal Justice Law (ACJL) 2022 of Anambra State was held at the Judiciary Town Hall, Judiciary Headquarters, Awka. The theme of the Workshop was “Implementation of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Law of Anambra State (2022): Highlights on the Innovations Made Therein”. The workshop convened by Anambra State Judiciary under the leadership of the Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu was organized to introduce the Magistrates to the ACJL 2022 practice guideline and its implementation. His Lordship, Onochie M. Anyachebelu delivered the opening and closing remarks, while Hon. Justice P. C. Obiorah and Hon. Justice D. A. Onyefulu were the resource persons for the workshop.

In his opening remarks, His Lordship Onochie M. Anyachebelu welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the ACJL 2022 in ensuring consistency and fairness in justice delivery in the Magistrate Courts of Anambra State Judiciary. The Hon. Chief Judge acknowledged the efforts of the resource persons and thanked them for their willingness to share their knowledge and expertise. The Hon. Chief Judge also reminded the Magistrates of their responsibility to uphold the law and the importance of continuous learning to enhance their skills and knowledge.

During the Workshop, the resource persons provided an overview of the ACJL 2022 practice guideline and highlighted its key features, including its scope, principles, and application. They also discussed the potential challenges that the Magistrates may face in implementing the law and provided strategies to overcome them. The  Magistrates were encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences throughout the workshop, and the resource persons provided detailed responses and facilitated discussions.

The magistrates were also taken through the process of applying the new Law in their daily work. The resource persons provided examples of cases and how the ACJL 2022 can be applied to ensure fairness and consistency in decision-making.

In his closing remarks, Hon. the Chief Judge, Justice Onochie M. Anyachebelu thanked the resource persons for their valuable insights and guidance throughout the workshop. The Hon. Chief Judge also commended the Magistrates for their active participation and encouraged them to apply the knowledge and skills gained from the workshop in their daily work. The Chief Judge reminded the Magistrates that they play a crucial role in upholding the law and ensuring justice for all. Finally, the Chief Judge urged the Magistrates to continue learning and improving their skills to serve the Judiciary and the State better.

The training workshop was a success, thanks to the efforts of the Hon. Chief Judge, the resource persons, and the active participation of the Learned Magistrates. The workshop provided the Magistrates with a better understanding of the ACJL 2022 and its application and equipped them with the necessary knowledge and skills to implement it effectively. The workshop also demonstrated the importance of continuous learning and collaboration in enhancing the quality of justice delivery.

Below are photos of the two resource persons presenting their papers at the workshop.

Hon. Justice P.C. Obiorah presenting a paper at the Workshop

Hon. Justice D.A. Onyefulu presenting his paper at the Workshop.