Aurore Teta Ufitiwabo
Africa-Press – Rwanda. Since 2022, the justice system has seen a significant transformation with the resolution of 3,031 cases through Plea Bargaining, according to officials in the justice sector who say this milestone is poised to reshape the landscape of justice delivery, with far-reaching implications.
Plea bargaining, a legal practice where agreements are negotiated between the prosecution and defense, has defendants pleading guilty to specific charges in exchange for lenient sentences or other concessions, including dismissal of charges.
Chief Justice Faustin Nteziryayo announced the launch of the plea bargaining system during the inaugural Alternative Dispute Resolution Symposium, which commenced on October 9 and will continue until October 13. Nteziryayo emphasized the collaborative effort of all criminal justice stakeholders in Rwanda to advance justice, moving beyond the confines of traditional litigation.
“Plea Bargaining is set to revolutionize the delivery of quality and timely justice. This is an imperative duty, and I am delighted that we are all united in this endeavor,” Nteziryayo said
This alternative approach is being implemented under a five-year Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Supreme Court of Rwanda and Pepperdine University from California, US.
Addressing the same event, Danny DeWalt, Vice President and Chief of Staff at Pepperdine University, highlighted the remarkable success and acceptance of the program within just six months of its launch. He called for trust and collaborative efforts among all stakeholders to strengthen the program in the future.
“The first step for a group of people aiming to achieve something significant together efficiently and effectively is to build and sustain trust. That is the essence of this week. If we leave this week with a collective trust in each other to implement the path we outline together, this vision will come to life rapidly, transforming the administration of justice in this country and, through your leadership, across the continent of Africa,” he remarked.
DeWalt stressed that building a foundation of trust requires commitment, consistency, and collegiality. He also reaffirmed Pepperdine’s unwavering commitment to the partnership and its dedication to ensuring the successful and sustainable implementation of these tools.
“We are more enthusiastic than ever to support Rwanda’s vision of not only providing effective and efficient access to justice for its people but also assuming a leadership role in access to justice reforms among African nations,” he added.
Prosecutor General Aimable Havugiyaremye also underscored the significance of the current number of cases settled through plea bargaining and expressed the desire to double it. He argued that the system has had a profound impact on the justice sector, benefiting both suspects and victims by expediting justice delivery.
Plea bargaining offers several advantages, including reducing court backlogs, alleviating prison overcrowding, and serving as a valuable tool for investigators to extract crucial information from suspects, among other benefits.
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