Supreme Court clears way for SkyTrain trial

Kofi Bentil, a lawyer and Vice President of IMANI Africa, discusses the potential for appointing a Chief Justice from outside the Supreme Court during an appearance on Joy News’ PM Express. Mr. Bentil acknowledges that while it is theoretically possible, it would be highly unusual given that no such appointment has ever been made before. His chief concern, however, is appointing a candidate who can garner broad support and confidence within the judiciary.

Speaking on the prospect of an outsider being chosen, Mr. Bentil emphasizes that the ideal candidate would garner support from both the legal profession and the broader public. He believes that having a unanimous agreement among lawyers and judges about the best person for the job would be desirable. Nonetheless, he concedes that finding such a candidate would prove challenging.

Mr. Bentil goes on to caution that while competence is crucial, political considerations and the President's comfort with the candidate will ultimately play a role in the decision-making process. He notes that the candidates under consideration are highly qualified and that selecting one of them would not be a mistake, regardless of the outcome.

The potential appointment of a Chief Justice nearing retirement could present an opportunity for the President to make another Chief Justice appointment before leaving office. Mr. Bentil presents this as a possibility rather than a prediction of the President's action.

For Mr. Bentil, the impact of the Chief Justice appointment extends beyond the judiciary itself. He believes that the person chosen will significantly influence public confidence in the entire justice system. He stresses the importance of selecting someone who projects confidence in the judiciary.

Despite his reservations concerning the role of politics, Mr. Bentil expresses confidence in the available candidates, stating that he believes the President will ultimately make a good choice. He concludes by praising the caliber of the available candidates, expressing optimism about the President's ability to select the right individual.