Codify that animal called law of contempt - Law lecturer

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K. Slang 10 years ago

This is all happening because of the shameless Atuguba a.k.a. NDC hack.

This is all happening because of the shameless Atuguba a.k.a. NDC hack.
DOUBLE STANDARDS 10 years ago

Where were you when NPP filled the courts with NPP judges and jailed people left and right for no reason???!!! Look up how many cases NDC won in courts during K4's time. NDC took NPP to court to contest elections twice and it ...
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Where were you when NPP filled the courts with NPP judges and jailed people left and right for no reason???!!! Look up how many cases NDC won in courts during K4's time. NDC took NPP to court to contest elections twice and it never even saw the light of day. K. Slang, you should walk around with a brown paper bag over your head at all times!!!
Nicholas J Bedzo 10 years ago

What is your position in the Law
Atuguba is a head of the ongoing sitting of chaleges going on Election
if you have anything look for him.

What is your position in the Law
Atuguba is a head of the ongoing sitting of chaleges going on Election
if you have anything look for him.
Akonoba 10 years ago

The codified animal shall still be interpreted by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court can interprete "come" to mean "go".

Some people would always say they are coming when in actual fact they are going.

The codified animal shall still be interpreted by the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court can interprete "come" to mean "go".

Some people would always say they are coming when in actual fact they are going.
Paul Amuna 10 years ago

I thought the law of contempt was there as a 'deterrent weapon' against indsicipline of any sort in matters relating to relationships between the people, advocates and the bench?

I am sorry to say its 'nebulous nature' is ...
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I thought the law of contempt was there as a 'deterrent weapon' against indsicipline of any sort in matters relating to relationships between the people, advocates and the bench?

I am sorry to say its 'nebulous nature' is not unique to Ghana and that I would have thought was there for a reason. Surely no two cases of contempt are necessarily the same? And therefore there should be no 'prescribed punishment'. I respect the discretionary nature of its application as long as it is within reason and proportionate to the offence committed.

Why do our trained lawyers always expect we (the untrained) to respond to the confusion in their own minds on matters that they should apply commonsense to? I also find that those who argue on these matters tend to be the ones who feel the law is being "wrongly applied" for whatever reason (s) as far as they are concerned.

Is the "learned" law lecturer asking for the law to be amended, and is so, to satisfy whom? Perhaps he would care to provide us 'his' preferred definition and suggest how it should be applied?
maxwell 10 years ago

Mr Kissi Adjabeng got it right.
Im not a lawyer but a Registered Nurse. I studied Government at Advanced Level so at lease a have an idea about limits of the branches of Government and the separation of power. The arbitrary ...
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Mr Kissi Adjabeng got it right.
Im not a lawyer but a Registered Nurse. I studied Government at Advanced Level so at lease a have an idea about limits of the branches of Government and the separation of power. The arbitrary application of the law of contempt is setting a very bad precedence for the lower courts of the land. The question is, what is going to happen? My answer is chaos. I encourage the good Ghanaian people to debate this issue. This is Mr Adjabeng concern and mine. Dr Akwetey's desire to dismantle what he termed as monopoly of executive power is far reaching. I believe it should be done within the law with limits set with clear and well defined boundries.
RJ 10 years ago

".....so at lease a have an idea about limits....."
Did you really study A Level?

".....so at lease a have an idea about limits....."
Did you really study A Level?
Kay 10 years ago

Forget I about the grammar at least you got the import of what he wanted to say.A law should be properly spelt out to guide the citizenry,not be left at the discretion of only the judges it is dangerous.

Forget I about the grammar at least you got the import of what he wanted to say.A law should be properly spelt out to guide the citizenry,not be left at the discretion of only the judges it is dangerous.
maxwell 10 years ago

Yes, i did study A Level and graduated from UST, but this is not important here at this time. Comment on the substance.

Yes, i did study A Level and graduated from UST, but this is not important here at this time. Comment on the substance.
maxwell 10 years ago

thanks, i stand to be corrected. i mean to say "...at least I have an idea...".

thanks, i stand to be corrected. i mean to say "...at least I have an idea...".
Michael 10 years ago

My brother Paul, I agree with you. Sometimes these 'learned men' talk only to sound learned. The truth is that in our society today many people have resorted to gratuitious abuse of everyone from the President, through Religi ...
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My brother Paul, I agree with you. Sometimes these 'learned men' talk only to sound learned. The truth is that in our society today many people have resorted to gratuitious abuse of everyone from the President, through Religious leaders to the Police and anybody who is percieved to belong to the 'other camp'.

Well, they took it to the judges and thank God,
Michael 10 years ago

...the judges have exercised their power to do something about it. If we ever get civilised and respect each other and are tempered in our language, the law of contempt will not ever be applied.

...the judges have exercised their power to do something about it. If we ever get civilised and respect each other and are tempered in our language, the law of contempt will not ever be applied.
Boateng 10 years ago

Thanks, So simple and well put. I am still mad at this guy anyway.

Thanks, So simple and well put. I am still mad at this guy anyway.
Boateng 10 years ago

Since wghen did this cow called a lecturer know about this? He should rather be talking about a law that deals with fools that want to distabilize the country by calling for the heads of people and those that denegrade the ...
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Since wghen did this cow called a lecturer know about this? He should rather be talking about a law that deals with fools that want to distabilize the country by calling for the heads of people and those that denegrade the judicial system of which he is part.

What is this cow talking about? When the Supreme Court is brought down by politicians what next? Anarchy? This guy is a political animal, a cow! Since when did he as a lecturer with all his knowledge thought about what he is talking about now? Is he mad that Sir John was fined? He should be glad the Judges were level headed, they handled it well.
maxwell 10 years ago

Mr Boateng, you should also know that absolute power corrupt absolutely. Yes, there should be a way to check some of these reckless politicians being it NDC or NPP. What Mr Kissi Adjabeng is saying is that, the law of contemp ...
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Mr Boateng, you should also know that absolute power corrupt absolutely. Yes, there should be a way to check some of these reckless politicians being it NDC or NPP. What Mr Kissi Adjabeng is saying is that, the law of contempt if not clearly defined could create chaos. Arbitrary use of any power by any branch of government could create the same Anarchy that you think the loose and reckless politicians are brewing.
Joe - UK 10 years ago

Any fool who understands & speaks English knows the difference between Freedon of speech & stupid comment which comes under the Law of Contempt. NPP book law come out straight and support Sir John

Any fool who understands & speaks English knows the difference between Freedon of speech & stupid comment which comes under the Law of Contempt. NPP book law come out straight and support Sir John
Lorgo Ligri 10 years ago

Money for your thought Mr.lecturer. This is an important issue that must be looked into carefully. We all know power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. There are some judges out there if not tamed by defining t ...
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Money for your thought Mr.lecturer. This is an important issue that must be looked into carefully. We all know power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely. There are some judges out there if not tamed by defining to them what contempt is, will go beyong it's intended reasonning and completely abuse it's use at the expense of the people they don't like. We might be building an authoritarian/dictatorial judiciary in our haste to tame a few loud mouth polticians in these turbulant times. Let's not rush so fast cuz it's good right now.
A. Nyamaa 10 years ago

Truth be told, what Atuguba and this Supreme Court have done is totally unconstituitional and a travesty of Justice. They have arrogated unto themselves powers they do not have and dished out summary justice to citizens.

W ...
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Truth be told, what Atuguba and this Supreme Court have done is totally unconstituitional and a travesty of Justice. They have arrogated unto themselves powers they do not have and dished out summary justice to citizens.

We are all spineless and it is an abiding shame that a judge of the supreme court, under the glare of television camera throws tantrums and yells at citizens who are terrorized by odious threats of incarceration on the basis of powers that are not clearly defined anywhere in the basic laws of the land.

It is also a crying shame that our best legal brains have now become mitigation solicitors who go to court to ululate and sing praises to judges and beg for birthday presents.

So much time has been wasted trying silly issues within this all important petition hearing.

Justice Atuguba has time to read The Herald, the enquirer and the daily post and yet we are told we must wait for 15 days before judgement in this unprecdented trial is pronounced.

Any serious court would have determined this matter within a few days after the closing arguments have been heard.

Respect must be earned!
Michael 10 years ago

Brother, brother, brother. Take a deep breath and .....out. The offence of contempt, like every offence exists for a reason. In the judiciary there are sate guards against abuse of it by any judge. If a judge in a lower court ...
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Brother, brother, brother. Take a deep breath and .....out. The offence of contempt, like every offence exists for a reason. In the judiciary there are sate guards against abuse of it by any judge. If a judge in a lower court acts arbitrarily, he can be corrected on appeal. In the SC, the highest court of the land, every case is handled by a panel of judges who must vote on every issue. There is no arbitrariness there.

Seriously, those guys in the SC court are really learned men who have serious duties to perform, and they are doing it well under very difficult conditions.

I guess if gou ever get on the receiving end of gratuitous abuse and conduct likely to cause anarchy you will need them to protect you with the same standard they use.

Besides every practising lawyer of every political shade understands what has gone on and agree with it: and for good reasons.
Let you and I just get on with life without insulting each other and we shall never fall pray to this 'animal' called contempt.

Again I say breath innnnn...and outtttt! Have a good day sir.
maxwell 10 years ago

Did you listen to the tone of the judges? Well, you missing something, Michael. If one misbehaves inside of a courtroom by word of mouth(speech), writing, dressing/appearance or anything/action that puts any court in disreput ...
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Did you listen to the tone of the judges? Well, you missing something, Michael. If one misbehaves inside of a courtroom by word of mouth(speech), writing, dressing/appearance or anything/action that puts any court in disrepute is contempt of the court. On the contrary, any action outside of the courtroom is a different story. One could say anything against any court outside of a courtroom and that is freedom of speech which is protected under the law. If one says anything that is considered subversive, treasonous or a declaration of war falls outside the jurisdiction of the courts of any land including Ghana. The executive branch of government deals with that. Mr Michael do think that it is illegal to criticize any court? There is no law anywhere in the world including Ghana where criticism of the courts is illegal. This is a first amendment right in the US. Think again Michael. I know you smarter than that.
Michael 10 years ago

Yes Sir, Law expert

Yes Sir, Law expert
maxwell 10 years ago

im not a law expect...LOL. We are all laymen trying to help our mother Ghana who the politicians NDC/NPP had taken for a ride.

im not a law expect...LOL. We are all laymen trying to help our mother Ghana who the politicians NDC/NPP had taken for a ride.
STONER KOBYLYNTON 10 years ago

Gentlemen, you have exhibit respect without coming with any profane words to each other. This is the way intelligent men sought things out. Bravo to you all. I hope others may learn from you guys. Again bravo to you gentlem ...
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Gentlemen, you have exhibit respect without coming with any profane words to each other. This is the way intelligent men sought things out. Bravo to you all. I hope others may learn from you guys. Again bravo to you gentlemen.
maxwell 10 years ago

thanks mr stoner

thanks mr stoner
Yaw 10 years ago

Beautifully put. 9 on 10, you are a Ghanaian leaving elsewhere.

Beautifully put. 9 on 10, you are a Ghanaian leaving elsewhere.
Onua Francis 10 years ago

Let every one be careful and be mindful of our speech.

Let every one be careful and be mindful of our speech.
Yaw Amofa 10 years ago

That animal of lecturer who doesn't recognise contemptuous statements. You are only raising this concern because the culprits were mainly NPP ruffians.

That animal of lecturer who doesn't recognise contemptuous statements. You are only raising this concern because the culprits were mainly NPP ruffians.
osabere kotoko 10 years ago

PLEASE. YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT.

PLEASE. YOU KNOW BETTER THAN THAT.
Kojo 10 years ago

This law, the Law of Contempt, is fine and doing very, very well. It is like the police department which can't be everywhere at every time to prevent every crime. So the police will randomly deploy on operation to surprise cr ...
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This law, the Law of Contempt, is fine and doing very, very well. It is like the police department which can't be everywhere at every time to prevent every crime. So the police will randomly deploy on operation to surprise criminal offenders. So is the law of contempt. For the sake of peace and respect for your neighbors no one have to tell you what you say or do endanger the peace of the country. If you cannot use your common sense on issues when you speak in public, then the courts can use their discretion to put you in check.

So far I don't see those who speak with measured temperament being guilty of contempt. How many people have fallen victim of this law to warrant change. Unless you think you are untouchable, then you can call for a change now that you've found out that their is a higher power to implement the check and balances democracy required.
ADELE PALMAS. 10 years ago

No Amofa I do not side with you.We must
tame the animal Atuguba.He is getting out of hand.The Animalistic behaviour in
him is projecting badly.It is true that
Atuguba carries himself as a voodoo deity as Sir John said.

No Amofa I do not side with you.We must
tame the animal Atuguba.He is getting out of hand.The Animalistic behaviour in
him is projecting badly.It is true that
Atuguba carries himself as a voodoo deity as Sir John said.
Ajavuk Da Jajak 10 years ago

Evidently, you have nothing sensible to contribute to the discussion except insults. And what are you? You conduct yourself like a voodoo godess, all painted up with tribal marks,, and spewing venom and fire, a hybrid of a vi ...
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Evidently, you have nothing sensible to contribute to the discussion except insults. And what are you? You conduct yourself like a voodoo godess, all painted up with tribal marks,, and spewing venom and fire, a hybrid of a viper and a dragon. Before insulting eminent citizens, take a look at yourself in the mirror. My dear, the one who needs taming is you, the gorgon.
Justman 10 years ago

U ARE A LECTURER OF THE LAW. THIS CAN BE UR RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT FOR U AND UR STUDENTS. IF U HAVE BRAIN NOBODY NEEDS TO TELL U WHAT TO DO TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION.

U ARE A LECTURER OF THE LAW. THIS CAN BE UR RESEARCH ASSIGNMENT FOR U AND UR STUDENTS. IF U HAVE BRAIN NOBODY NEEDS TO TELL U WHAT TO DO TO ADDRESS THE SITUATION.
CONCERNED GHANAIANS 10 years ago

WE side with lecturer Kissi Adjabeng, as we have earlier suggested elsewhere doubts about the legal basis on which Justice Atuguba is hammering his alleged victims of "contempt".
Hmmm, Justice Atuguba's utterances indicate o ...
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WE side with lecturer Kissi Adjabeng, as we have earlier suggested elsewhere doubts about the legal basis on which Justice Atuguba is hammering his alleged victims of "contempt".
Hmmm, Justice Atuguba's utterances indicate one thing - he is increasingly becoming an autocrat. We must draw his attention to this and take necessary steps to stop him on this before it is late. Had Ghanaians had the boldness to draw Afari-Gyan's attention and to stop him, there might not have been the alleged elections fraud, alleged compromise and cover-up attempts; and so there might not have been the ongoing court issues that are weighing on Ghana and Ghanaians.
WE MUST STOP HIM FROM BEHAVING AUTOCRATICALLY BEFORE IT IS LATE.
watch out!

Codify that animal called law of contempt - Law lecturer

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