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The Global Gender Equality Constitutional Database is a repository of gender equality related provisions in 194 constitutions from around the world. The Database was updated in partnership with the International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) and with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) and the Government of Japan. Experience its wealth and depth of information by starting your search now.
Protection from Violence
- English
Whereas every person in Sierra Leone is entitled to the fundamental human rights and freedoms of the individual, that is to say, has the right, whatever his race, tribe, place of origin, political opinion, colour, creed or sex, but subject to respect for the rights and freedoms of others and for the public interest, to each and all of the following—
a. life, liberty, security of person,
… (Sec. 15)
Public Institutions and Services
- English(1) The State shall within the context of the ideals and objectives for which provisions are made in this Constitution—
…
b. manage and control the national economy in such a manner as to secure the maximum welfare and freedom of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of opportunity;
… (Sec. 7)
Public Institutions and Services
- English(1) Where any benefits to which this section applies can be withheld, reduced in amount or suspended by any law, those benefits shall not be so withheld, reduced in amount or suspended—
a. in the case of benefits which have been granted in respect of service in the public service of any person who at the time when he ceased to be a public-officer was subject to the jurisdiction of the Judicial and Legal Service Commission or for which any person may be eligible in respect of such service, without the approval of that Commission; or
b. in any other case, without the approval of the Public Service Commission or the appropriate Council, as the case may be.
(2) No benefits to which this section applies that have been granted to or in respect of any person who is or has been a Judge of the High Court, a Justice of Appeal or of the Supreme Court, or a former Judge of the Supreme Court or for which any such person or his widow, children, dependants or personal representatives may be eligible, shall be withheld, reduced in amount or suspended on the ground that that person has been guilty of misconduct or misbehavior unless that person has been removed from judicial office by reason of such misconduct or misbehaviour.
(3) This section applies to any benefits payable under any law providing for the grant of pensions, gratuities or compensation to persons who are or have been public officers in respect of their service in the public service or to the widows, children, dependants or personal representatives of such persons in respect of such service whether on a contributory or non-contributory basis. (Sec. 162)
Public Institutions and Services
- English(1) The law applicable to any benefits to which this section applies shall, in relation to any person who has been granted, or who is eligible for the grant of such benefits, be that in force on the relevant date or any later law that is not less favourable to that person.
…
(5) This section applies to any benefits payable under any law providing for the grant of pensions, gratuities or compensation to persons who are or have been public officers in respect of their service in the public service or to the widows, children, dependants or personal representatives of such persons in respect of such service.
… (Sec. 161)
Public Institutions and Services
- English(1) Except with his own consent, no person shall be subjected to the search of his person or his property or the entry by others on his premises, or interference with his correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic and electronic communications.
(2) Nothing contained in or done under authority of any law shall be held to be inconsistent with or in contravention of this section to the extent that the law in question makes provision that is reasonably required—
…
e. for the purpose of affording such special care and assistance as are necessary for the health, safety, development and well-being of women, children and young persons, the aged and the handicapped; and except in so far as that provision or, as the case may be, the thing done under authority thereof is shown not to be reasonably justifiable in a democratic society. (Sec. 22)
Public Institutions and Services
- English(1) The Social Order of the State shall be founded on the ideals of Freedom, Equality and Justice.
(2) In furtherance of the Social Order—
a. every citizen shall have equality of rights, obligations, and opportunities before the law, and the State shall ensure that every citizen has an equal right and access to all opportunities and benefits based on merit;
… (Sec. 8)
Status of the Constitution
- English…
(15) This Constitution shall be the supreme law of Sierra Leone and any other law found to be inconsistent with any provision of this Constitution shall, to the extent of the inconsistency, be void and of no effect. (Sec. 171)
Status of the Constitution
- English
Every citizen shall—
a. abide by this Constitution, respect its ideals and its institutions,
… (Sec. 13)
Status of the Constitution
- English(1) The existing law shall, notwithstanding the repeal of the Constitution of Sierra Leone Act, 1978, have effect after the entry into force of this Constitution as if they had been made in pursuance of this Constitution and shall be read and construed with such modifications, adaptations, qualifications and exceptions as may be necessary to bring them into conformity with this Constitution.
… (Sec. 177)
Jurisdiction and Access
- English(1) The Supreme Court shall, save as otherwise provided in section 122 of this Constitution, have original jurisdiction, to the exclusion of all other Courts—
a. in all matters relating to the enforcement or interpretation of any provision of this Constitution; and
b. where any question arises whether an enactment was made in excess of the power conferred upon Parliament or any other authority or person by law or under this Constitution.
(2) Where any question relating to any matter or question as is referred to in subsection (1) arises in any proceedings in any Court, other than the Supreme Court, that Court shall stay the proceedings and refer the question of law involved to the Supreme Court for determination; and the Court in which the question arose shall dispose of the case in accordance with the decision of the Supreme Court. (Sec. 124)