By: Mohamed J. Bangura
The General Legal Council (GLC) has strongly condemned lawyer Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara (JFK) over his conduct before the Supreme Court, while appealing to the apex court to reconsider the custodial punishment imposed on him.
In a press statement dated October 8, 2026, the Council, which regulates the legal profession in Sierra Leone, expressed concern over the altercations between JFK and the Supreme Court Bench during proceedings on the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025. The incident resulted in a contempt finding against the lawyer and his detention.
The Council strongly criticized JFK’s behaviour, describing his conduct over the two preceding days, which occurred in full public view and was broadcast live, as “quite discourteous and misrepresentative of the legal profession.”
According to the GLC, the conduct was particularly troubling because it was directed at the country’s highest court and the Chief Justice, who also serves as President of the Supreme Court.
The Council reminded legal practitioners of their professional obligations under Rule 4(2) of the Legal Practitioners (Code of Conduct) Rules, 2010. The provision requires lawyers to act courteously and respectfully towards everyone they encounter in their professional duties, including judges, fellow lawyers, court staff, litigants, witnesses and clients.
The GLC emphasized that adherence to the rule is essential to preserving the dignity of the courts and the integrity of the legal profession. It added that no lawyer, regardless of seniority or political standing, is exempt from these professional obligations.
Despite its strong condemnation of JFK’s conduct, the Council appealed to the Supreme Court to reconsider the custodial punishment imposed on him.
“In the interest of progress of the matter and in the spirit of the good working relationship between the Bar and the Bench,” the statement read, the Council urged the court to reconsider the punishment when proceedings resume or, where practicable, before the next hearing.
The Council’s intervention comes amid heightened public interest in the constitutional proceedings, which have drawn widespread attention both within Sierra Leone and abroad.
The case concerning the Constitution of Sierra Leone (Amendment) Act, 2025, has attracted significant public attention, with thousands following the proceedings through live broadcasts.
The GLC welcomed the public interest in the matter and commended the Judiciary for accrediting media houses to provide live coverage of the proceedings.
The Council also acknowledged the contributions of lawyers from the Office of the Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, as well as those representing the applicants. It noted that their participation was important to the development of Sierra Leone’s jurisprudence.