CMY2602- Semester 1 - Assignment 1

CMY2602- Semester 1 - Assignment 1 2022 Question: 1. Discuss the role of the presiding officer and the relationships between the presiding officer and the other parties in court cases. Answer: 1.1 Role of a presiding officer Introduction: In order for the law to be fair and just, presiding officer must patient in court cases and he must show compassion to both the parties so that either do not feel inferior to one another. the presiding officer must also have an understanding relationship with other parties in court in order for a case to procced accordingly. Key Concept: Presiding officer, a presiding officer is in charge in maintaining order and decorum, allowing both parties to speak, and validates the rules that are in the constitution, in court. It is the duty of the presiding officer to ensure that court proceedings are carried out accordingly and all parties that are present in court are treated fairly with respect. The presiding officer must hear and understand the evidence from both sides in order to be able to consider it once the hearing is adjourned for the purpose of a verdict. The presiding officer must assess all the evidence that was gathered during the court case in order to decide on whether the accused is guilty or not, based on the review of evidence. If the accused is found guilty, the presiding officer must decide on an appropriate sentence that is in line with the severity of the crime that had been committed. The behaviour and decision of the presiding officer is based on the evidence received in court. 1.2 The relationship between the presiding officer in court cases, are as follows: The presiding officer must be polite and respectful towards law practitioners as they voluntarily treat presiding officer with dignity and respect. State prosecutors who are not competent in court procedures should be educated and counselled by the presiding officer of which this forms the basis of their responsibility to the prosecutor. The significance of the relationship between the presiding officer and the public cannot be overstressed. The presiding officer must do his or her best in helping the accused who is defenceless, the presiding officer must always treat the accused with humility. It is the duty of the presiding officer to make certain that the rights of the witness are not infringed during a cross-examination that is conducted by a legal representative. Conclusion: If the presiding officer does not