Strike by state attorneys threaten rule of law

Legal representation for either the state or individuals is critical for the promotion of the rule of law in any democratic dispensation.

It is more crucial in our case where the Constitution makes it clear that all suspected criminals are innocent until proven guilty by a competent court of law.

The state prosecutes all criminal offences in society and requires very efficient state attorneys to make sure that criminals do not go scot-free.

It is for this reason that all law-abiding citizens should be worried that our state attorneys have dropped their gowns and wigs to fight for better conditions of service.

Their action has brought court proceedings to a virtual halt, with litigants in a state of quandary.

Suspected criminals are also breathing the air of freedom, even if for now.

The strike is to press home the demand for better conditions of service which, according to the attorneys, are long overdue.

Since the action started, all prosecutorial duties have stopped and all state offices that make use of state attorneys have had their work schedules affected.

This has led to several adjournments of cases being handled by state attorneys, thereby impacting negatively on the administration of justice.

While not intending to go into the merits or otherwise of their contentions, the Daily Graphic calls for a constructive approach to the expression of their misgivings.

This is in view of the critical role they play in the administration of justice and the smooth running of our legal system.

While it is perfectly within their democratic right to resort to a strike, we believe that there are more proactive measures that could be used in attaining the end they are seeking.

Dialogue remains one positive tool that can be engaged in the resolution of differences in a manner that does not lead to serious repercussions.

While calling on the striking state attorneys to make use of dialogue, we also urge the government to give due consideration to their agitation.

The parties in the dispute have also been asked to submit to the direction of the National Labour Commission (NLC) but it appears that option is not attractive to the parties.

It is unfortunate that those who understand the law would want to shun another creature of the law. The national cause will be better served if the parties submit to the direction of the NLC to resolve the impasse.

We hope that an amicable solution will be found to the current impasse for the wheels of justice to start running smoothly again.