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Between Judicial Enabling And Adversarialism: The Role Of The Judicial Officer In Protecting The Unrepresented Accused In Botswana In A Comparative Perspective, Rowland Cole

rowland cole

The role of the judicial officer in Botswana’s adversarial system has evolved over the decades. Traditionally, the judicial officer in the adversarial system plays a neutral role while the parties present their cases. The semblance of neutrality compels the judicial officer to remain passive and refrain from interfering with the process. Over the years, the courts have recognised that the unrepresented accused cannot get a fair trial as she is unaware of the rules of procedure and evidence. This being the case, the unrepresented accused cannot effectively participate in the proceedings. Consequently, the courts have over the years stated that …