Mr. Creech Jonesasked the Secretary of States for the Colonies why the trial of George Thomas in Freetown for libel was arranged before a judge with assessors; on what principle were these assessors selected; and why, in this particular case, a jury was not called.
§ Colonel StanleyI have not received any official information regarding this case. The Sierra Leone Jurors and Assessors Ordinance provides that the Attorney-General, whenever he is of opinion that a more fair and impartial trial can be obtained by the accused being tried by the Court with the aid of assessors instead of by a judge and jury, may make an application to the Court for an order, which shall be made as, of course, to this effect. It is provided that in the case of an order being made for trial with the aid of assessors the judge who is to try the 1347W case shall select from the persons summoned to act as special jurors not less than three to assist him in such trial, provided always that, whenever there shall be a deficiency of special jurors, it shall be lawful for the Court to issue fresh precepts if necessary.