The Court of Criminal Appeal in its superior jurisdiction is composed of three judges and is competent to decide on appeals from from decisions of the Criminal Court. A person convicted on indictment may appeal against his conviction in all cases or against the sentence passed on his conviction unless the sentence is one fixed by law. An appeal by the accused can never result in a sentence of greater severity. An accused person may also appeal against a verdict of not guilty on the ground of insanity. In certain cases the Court may also order a re-trial. The Attorney General, who is the prosecutor before the Criminal Court, can appeal from a verdict of acquittal or, in certain cases, against the sentence passed. The Court also hears appeals by the accused and by the Attorney General from decisions on preliminary pleas and from decisions of pleas regarding the admissibility of evidence.
This Court of Criminal Appeal in its inferior jurisdiction is composed of one judge and decides on appeals from judgements delivered by the Court of Magistrates as a Court of Criminal Judicature. In this case the person convicted can also appeal in all cases, whether against conviction or against the quality and quantum of punishment. The Attorney General’s right of appeal from these judgements is limited in cases of appeals from decisions of the Court of Magistrates as a Court of Criminal Judicature in its ordinary competence but has otherwise unfettered right of appeal in other cases.
