The General Legal Council (GLC) has called on the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone to reconsider the custodial punishment imposed on senior lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK) following his courtroom altercations with the Bench.
In a press statement dated October 8, 2026, the Council expressed concern over the exchanges between Kamara and the Bench during proceedings relating to the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025.
The Council, which serves as a regulatory body for the legal profession, described Kamara’s conduct over the past two days as discourteous and damaging to the image of the legal profession, particularly because the incidents occurred before the public and involved the country’s highest court.
The statement noted that the situation had resulted in a contempt of court finding and subsequent custodial punishment.
Despite its concerns, the Council urged the Supreme Court to reconsider the punishment when proceedings resume or at any other practicable time before the next hearing date.
It said the appeal was made in the interest of progress in the constitutional matter and to preserve the good working relationship between the Bar and the Bench.
The Council also reminded legal practitioners of Rule 4, Sub-rule (2), of the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules, 2010, which requires lawyers to act courteously and respectfully towards everyone with whom they have professional contact, including judges, fellow lawyers, court staff, litigants, witnesses and clients.
Meanwhile, the Council welcomed the public interest generated by the constitutional proceedings, describing it as a positive development for the legal community and the wider public.
It commended the Judiciary for accrediting media houses to provide live-streaming feeds, enabling Sierra Leoneans at home and abroad to follow the proceedings.
The Council also praised lawyers from the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, as well as those representing the applicants who brought the cases before the Supreme Court.
It expressed hope that the proceedings would contribute to the development of Sierra Leone’s jurisprudence.
The statement was signed by Victor Idrissa Lansana, General Secretary of the General Legal Council, and authorised by its Chairman, Ibrahim Kanneh Esq.
