Symbols Adorning the Law Courts Building in Freetown, Sierra Leone

The Law Courts building in Freetown, Sierra Leone, a colonial-era neoclassical courthouse near the historic Cotton Tree.en.m.wikipedia.orgen.m.wikipedia.org This landmark structure on Siaka Stevens Street (formerly Westmoreland Street) was constructed between 1910–1916 and has served as a centerpiece of Sierra Leone’s judicial systempjhap.wordpress.com. The foundation stone of the building was laid by Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught, on 15 December 1910, symbolically marking the establishment of British common law in the colonypjhap.wordpress.com. The building’s classical design and prominent location underscore its importance in the administration of justice.

Symbolic Adornments and Their Meanings

The Law Courts building is embellished with a rich array of 11 symbolic figures and objects, each representing an aspect of the law’s origins, principles, and authority. These adornments reflect the provenance of the common law – linking colonial British legal heritage to universal concepts of justice. Below is a list of these symbols and their significance:

1. Foundation Stone Plaque (1910) – The original foundation stone, set by the Duke of Connaught, is itself a symbol. It signifies the colonial foundation of Sierra Leone’s legal system under British rule and the formal importation of English common law into the jurisdictionpjhap.wordpress.com. This literal cornerstone represents law as the bedrock of society – the idea that a stable legal system is the foundation upon which civil society is built.

2. Neoclassical Architecture – The building’s classical colonial design (with its grand columns, pediment, and symmetry) is an intentional symbolic choice. Neoclassical courthouses are meant to evoke the gravitas of ancient law and democracy. The use of Greco-Roman architectural elements conveys stability, order, and the rule of law, instilling respect and seriousness for justicearchitecturecourses.org. In essence, the very facade of the Law Courts building – reminiscent of a Greek temple – symbolizes the longevity and authority of the legal system.

3. Elderly Man with a Flowing Beard – One of two human figures adorning the facade is an old man with a long beard. This figure embodies wisdom and impartiality in the law. His advanced age and flowing beard are classical symbols of the wisdom that comes with long experiencesmarthistory.org. This suggests that the law draws on deep historical memory (the common law doctrine of precedent, where past decisions guide present ones) and that true justice requires seasoned wisdom. The old man’s presence also implies that the law serves everyone, young and old alike, and does so without partiality or discrimination. In other words, no one is above the law and all stand equal before itchinadaily.com.cn.

4. Holy Book at His Feet (Bible) – At the foot of the elderly man figure lies an open book, interpreted to symbolize a Bible. This signifies the sacred oath traditionally taken by witnesses in court – swearing to “tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth,” as is common in common-law courtsgla.ac.uk. The presence of the Bible underscores the commitment to truthfulness in judicial proceedings and the moral foundation of the law. Notably, the familiar oath is not specified in any statute but evolved through common law traditiongla.ac.uk. By including the Bible, the building highlights the expectation that witnesses speak the truth under oath, reflecting the historic influence of Christian principles on the legal system’s development.

5. Young Man with a Scroll – Complementing the old man is a younger male figure depicted with an outstretched arm holding a scroll. This youthful figure represents rationality, learning, and the forward-looking nature of the law. The law is not static; it is continually interpreted and applied by new generations. The young man’s presence emphasizes the importance of education and rational intellect in the justice system – a nod to the fact that the practice of law requires rigorous study and that each new generation must uphold and refine legal principles. His youth also balances the old man’s age, together symbolizing that the law bridges tradition and progress – informed by the past (wisdom of elders) yet carried forward by the young.

6. The Scroll – The scroll in the young man’s hand is itself a crucial symbol. Scrolls traditionally represent written knowledge or law. In this context it can signify the recorded laws and legal precedents, as well as the literate, scholarly nature of legal practice. However, some interpretations suggest the scroll here symbolizes the “unwritten” nature of common law – the idea that much of the law is not found in a single code or document, but in case precedents and principles passed down over time. In either case, the scroll indicates that law is rooted in knowledge, scholarship, and continuous documentation. It reminds us that while statutes can be written, a great deal of law (especially in common-law systems) evolves through written judgments and academic commentary – a living scroll, so to speak.

7. Owl Effigy – An owl is carved on the building, an animal long associated with keen sight and wisdom. The owl is a nocturnal bird that “hunts its prey by night” and is fabled for its wide, all-seeing eyes. Here it serves as a symbol that justice is all-seeing and pervasive. Just as an owl can perceive things in the dark, the law seeks to uncover truth and extend its watchful eye over the entire jurisdiction, even into the darkest corners. The owl is also famously the attribute of Athena, the ancient Greek goddess of wisdom, reinforcing that this symbol stands for the intelligence and wisdom of the lawtriplemoonpsychotherapy.com. Its presence on the Law Courts building implies that the courts will diligently seek out information (evidence) and apply wisdom in rendering judgments, ensuring that justice is informed and far-sighted.

8. Eagle Effigy – The building also features an eagle, the king of birds, known for its power and far-reaching flight. The eagle is the highest-soaring bird, able to spot its target from great heights. In the context of the Law Courts, the eagle symbolizes the lofty reach and majesty of the law. It suggests that the law, like the eagle, towers above all and can survey the land in its entirety – indicating nationwide jurisdiction and oversight. Historically, eagles have been used as emblems of empire and authority; for example, the outstretched eagle in Roman imperial insignia “symbolize[d] the vast territorial reaches of the Roman Empire.”walksinsiderome.com By invoking the eagle, the courthouse connects the Sierra Leone legal system to the idea of supreme authority and vigilance. It conveys that the law is noble and commands a bird’s-eye view – seeing all and reigning from on high, yet also swift to strike at wrongdoing.

9. Crown – A prominent crown adorns the building, representing the authority of the state and its legal system. The crown is a universal symbol of sovereignty, and in a common-law context it harkens back to the British monarchy’s role in establishing law (“the Crown” is often used to denote the state or prosecution in common-law countries). Here, the crown signifies the majesty of the law and the legitimacy of its power. It reminds us that law draws authority from the sovereign power of the state (originally the British Crown, and later the independent Sierra Leone state). Within the Commonwealth tradition, “the Crown is the supreme symbol of unity and authority; and all laws are enacted and carried out in the name of the Crown.”thecanadianencyclopedia.ca The crown’s presence on the courthouse signals continuity with that heritage of legal authority. It also alludes to the burden of responsibility that comes with power – historically, crowns symbolize not just authority but also the weight of duty (hence the phrase “heavy is the head that wears the crown”). In short, the crown emblem underscores the law’s ultimate authority across time and jurisdictions, from colonial times to the present day.

10. Sword – An image of a sword is featured, invoking the enforcement power of justice. The sword has long been an attribute of Lady Justice (usually held in her hand) and signifies the force and decisiveness of the law. It represents the idea that justice can be swift and final in punishing wrongdoingen.wikipedia.org. The sword on the Law Courts building conveys that the judicial system wields power to sanction and to protect. It implies that when the law is disobeyed, it can “cut” – meaning it will exact consequences without fear or favor against any and all offenders. This is a reminder that the courts will apply the law firmly and impartially, “without fear, ill-will, or malice” toward anyone, irrespective of rank or status. The sword’s presence emphasizes the strength of the law – that legal judgments are binding and backed by the coercive power of the state. In essence, it is a symbol of the enforcement aspect of justice (punitive and protective), complementing the balancing aspect represented by the scales.

11. Scales of Justice – Finally, a pair of scales is depicted – perhaps the most globally recognized emblem of justice. The scales (balance) symbolize the impartial weighing of evidence and arguments by the court. In judicial proceedings, each side’s case is heard, and the evidence is placed on the metaphorical scales to determine which side outweighs the other. The scales on the Law Courts building reinforce that the judiciary’s role is to balance competing claims fairly and deliver a just outcome. They indicate that justice involves evaluating the weight of evidence – the law carefully measures the truth on one side versus the otheren.wikipedia.org. The scales also imply the balance between mercy and judgment, and between individual rights and public interest, that courts must maintain. Notably, unlike some depictions of Lady Justice, there is no blindfold mentioned here – the earlier symbol of the old man conveyed the idea of impartiality in a different way. Nonetheless, the scales themselves send the clear message that equity and fairness are paramount: the law must treat all parties equally and give both sides a fair hearing. This resonates with the ideal that “the law is no respecter of persons” – it does not favor the rich over the poor, the powerful over the weak, but weighs the merits of each case objectivelychinadaily.com.cn.

Each of these eleven symbols on the Law Courts building carries a distinct meaning, yet together they form a cohesive narrative about the rule of law. They affirm that the Sierra Leonean judiciary, rooted in British common law tradition, aspires to wisdom (the elder), knowledge (the youth and scroll), omniscience (owl), far-reaching authority (eagle), moral truth (Bible), sovereign legitimacy (crown), firm enforcement (sword), foundational stability (stone), and balanced fairness (scales). The ornamentation of the courthouse thus serves as a constant visual reminder – to judges, lawyers, and the public – of the principles that underlie justice: wisdom, learning, authority, truth, strength, and impartiality. Through these symbols, the building itself “teaches” and reinforces the values of the legal system it houses, connecting Sierra Leone’s courts to a lineage of justice that is both ancient and evolving, both venerable and alive.

• The Law Courts building is a colonial-era legal landmark in Sierra Leone, representing both historical heritage and the present-day justice system.

• Eleven adornments convey legal ideals: old man (precedent and equality), youth (learning and rationality), owl (wisdom and vigilance), eagle (authority and high oversight), Bible or book (truth through oath), crown (majesty of law), sword (decisive enforcement), stone (foundation of rule of law), and scales (impartial justice).

• The foundation stone was laid on 15 December 1910, signifying the permanence and dignity of the judiciary.

• These symbols visually embody legal doctrines such as stare decisis, judicial independence, the sanctity of the oath, and impartial adjudication.

• The imagery reflects the shared heritage of the United Kingdom’s common law tradition but incorporates unique combinations such as the owl and eagle together, which is uncommon in British court iconography.

• The symbols help bridge legal education and public understanding by providing visible representations of abstract legal values.

• Judicial architecture in Sierra Leone is not merely functional; it is an instrument for reinforcing public trust and the authority of the courts.

3. Black Letter Symbol Table

5. Comparative Notes: Sierra Leone and the United Kingdom

• Both jurisdictions use scales, sword, and book as symbols of impartiality, enforcement, and the rule of law.

• In the United Kingdom, Lady Justice is often shown blindfolded to represent impartiality, a feature not depicted on Sierra Leone’s building.

• Sierra Leone’s court architecture uniquely pairs the owl and eagle, combining wisdom and authority, which is unusual in British court imagery.

6. Recent Developments

• Scholars are increasingly studying judicial architecture as a means of strengthening public trust.

• Modernisation efforts in court infrastructure may eventually address whether to preserve, restore, or adapt these historical symbols to reflect contemporary Sierra Leonean society.

7. Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) with Answers

1. The scales of justice primarily represent:
   A) Enforcement power
   B) Impartiality
   C) Legislative supremacy
   Answer: B – The scales symbolise the impartial weighing of evidence and arguments.

2. The old man figure represents:
   A) Youthful innovation
   B) Equality and precedent
   C) Speed in justice
   Answer: B – It reflects the doctrine of precedent and the law’s memory.

3. The eagle symbolises:
   A) Judicial oversight and sovereignty
   B) Legislative supremacy
   C) Mercy in sentencing
   Answer: A – It embodies high vision and sovereign authority.

4. The owl in legal iconography usually denotes:
   A) Wisdom and vigilance
   B) Aggression and dominance
   C) Religious authority
   Answer: A – The owl sees all and symbolises watchful justice.

5. Which symbol is directly linked to the Oaths Act in Sierra Leone?
   A) Sword
   B) Bible or book
   C) Stone
   Answer: B – It reflects the requirement for truthfulness under oath.

6. The crown on the Law Courts building denotes:
   A) Legislative supremacy
   B) Judicial sovereignty and majesty
   C) International law supremacy
   Answer: B – It symbolises the sovereign authority of the law.

7. The sword symbolises:
   A) Enforcement and decisive justice
   B) Education and rationality
   C) Customary law
   Answer: A – It represents the court’s power to enforce its decisions.

8. The stone symbol stands for:
   A) Permanence and stability of law
   B) Punitive measures
   C) Economic stability
   Answer: A – It shows the rule of law as a foundation for society.

9. The youth with a scroll embodies:
   A) Precedent
   B) Education and rationality
   C) Vigilance
   Answer: B – It highlights learning and the evolution of law.

10. Which is a unique pairing in Sierra Leone’s legal architecture?
    A) Scales and sword
    B) Owl and eagle
    C) Crown and book
    Answer: B – This pairing is not common in UK court architecture.

Essay 1: Discuss the role of architectural symbolism in reinforcing judicial legitimacy in Sierra Leone, with reference to the Law Courts building

Introduction

Judicial legitimacy is not solely a product of legal doctrine and constitutional provisions; it is also shaped by public perception. The architecture of court buildings plays a critical role in creating and sustaining this perception. In Sierra Leone, the Law Courts building on Siaka Stevens Street is not just an administrative space but a visual representation of the principles of justice. The use of eleven distinct symbols on the façade and structure serves to communicate ideals of impartiality, authority, wisdom, and the rule of law to both legal practitioners and the public.

Historical Context

The Law Courts building was inaugurated in 1910, during the colonial period, and reflects classical architectural styles common to British imperial civic buildings. The foundation stone itself symbolises stability and permanence. As a physical manifestation of colonial judicial authority, the building’s adornments combine inherited British legal symbolism with elements that resonate in a Sierra Leonean cultural context.

Symbolic Elements and Their Legal Meaning

The old man with a beard signifies precedent and equality before the law, reminding both lawyers and judges of the doctrine of stare decisis. The youth with a scroll conveys rationality and the role of education in the development of legal systems. The owl represents vigilance and wisdom, while the eagle represents sovereign authority and an elevated view of justice. The Bible or book symbolises truthfulness under oath, while the crown denotes the majesty and legitimacy of law. The sword represents enforcement and decisiveness, the stone represents the foundation of the rule of law, and the scales embody impartial adjudication.

Symbolism as a Tool for Judicial Legitimacy

These symbols help to humanise and visualise legal ideals for the public. Citizens entering the court are reminded, even before hearing a single case, that the law aims to be fair, stable, and authoritative. The imagery complements constitutional guarantees such as those found in sections 120 and 121 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone 1991, which emphasise judicial independence.

By visually expressing these principles, the architecture reinforces public trust. It tells a story that transcends language barriers and legal technicalities, making justice accessible to those without formal legal training.

Comparative Perspective

In the United Kingdom, court architecture frequently employs the figure of Lady Justice holding scales and a sword, sometimes blindfolded to indicate impartiality. Sierra Leone’s Law Courts building, while lacking the blindfolded figure, achieves a similar communicative effect through the combination of other figures and motifs. The inclusion of both the owl and eagle is unusual in British court design, offering a distinctive local adaptation of inherited symbolism.

Conclusion

Architectural symbolism at the Law Courts building plays a significant role in reinforcing judicial legitimacy in Sierra Leone. The adornments convey a consistent message of impartiality, authority, wisdom, and stability, linking historical tradition with modern legal practice. As long as these symbols remain visible and relevant, they will continue to support public confidence in the judiciary.

Essay 2: Compare and contrast the symbolic adornments of the Sierra Leone Law Courts building with those found in United Kingdom Supreme Court architecture

Introduction

The architecture of judicial buildings often reflects the values of the legal system they house. The Sierra Leone Law Courts building and the United Kingdom Supreme Court each employ symbolic adornments that convey the authority and impartiality of the judiciary. Although Sierra Leone’s design reflects its colonial heritage, it also incorporates unique elements that differentiate it from British court iconography.

Similarities

Both buildings use the scales of justice as a core motif, representing impartiality and the balanced weighing of evidence. The sword appears in both contexts as a symbol of enforcement and decisive justice. Books or similar symbols appear in each, linking to the rule of law and the written word. Crowns are also common, representing sovereign authority and the legitimacy of law.

Both designs aim to inspire respect and confidence, using symbolism to communicate the judiciary’s independence and authority.

Differences

The Sierra Leone building includes an owl and an eagle, representing vigilance and sovereignty. This pairing is rare in UK court architecture, which tends to focus on a singular allegorical figure such as Lady Justice. The old man with a beard in Sierra Leonean architecture specifically symbolises precedent and equality, a concept usually conveyed in the UK through institutional history rather than a physical figure. The youth with a scroll in Sierra Leone also stands out as a direct representation of legal education and rationality, whereas British court architecture tends to imply these values through broader classical motifs.

Cultural Context

In Sierra Leone, the Bible or book at the foot of the old man reflects the historic integration of religious oaths into legal proceedings. In the UK, religious symbolism is less prominent in modern judicial architecture due to increasing secularisation, though older court buildings may still display such imagery.

The symbolic adornments of the Sierra Leone Law Courts building and the United Kingdom Supreme Court share common legal values but differ in presentation and cultural emphasis. The Sierra Leonean approach is more eclectic, incorporating multiple figures and symbols, while the UK tends toward a unified allegorical representation. These differences illustrate how shared legal traditions can be adapted to reflect local culture and history.

Essay 3: Analyse the relevance of the doctrine of precedent as symbolised by the old man figure in Sierra Leone’s legal system

Introduction

The doctrine of precedent, or stare decisis, is a cornerstone of common law systems. It ensures consistency, predictability, and fairness by requiring courts to follow previously decided cases where the facts are similar. The old man figure on the Sierra Leone Law Courts building symbolises this doctrine, embodying wisdom, experience, and the law’s memory.

Legal Framework in Sierra Leone

Section 28 of the Courts Act, Cap 25, and the reception of English common law up to 1 January 1880, cement the doctrine of precedent in Sierra Leone. The Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, and High Court each have defined positions in the judicial hierarchy, and decisions flow downward in binding authority.

Symbolic Relevance

The old man’s flowing beard and aged appearance signify long memory and accumulated wisdom. Just as an elder draws on a lifetime of experience, the judiciary draws on the accumulated body of case law to decide new matters. This reinforces stability and equality before the law, as like cases are treated alike.

Practical Application

For practitioners, precedent provides a roadmap for legal argumentation. Citing binding cases can compel a court to follow established principles unless there is a strong reason to depart. For the public, precedent offers reassurance that decisions are not arbitrary.

Comparative Insight

In the UK, precedent is similarly foundational, with landmark cases such as Donoghue v Stevenson [1932] AC 562 (HL) setting binding principles for decades. While the UK courts do not have an old man figure on their buildings, the doctrine is symbolically embedded in their consistent jurisprudence.

Conclusion

The old man figure on the Sierra Leone Law Courts building is a powerful visual metaphor for the doctrine of precedent. It communicates to all who see it that the law is grounded in memory, wisdom, and equality, ensuring that justice is consistent and reliable.

Essay 4: Evaluate the significance of religious symbols, such as the Bible or book, in modern secular judicial systems

Introduction

The Bible or book at the foot of the old man on the Sierra Leone Law Courts building symbolises truth and the solemnity of the oath. In modern judicial systems, particularly those that are constitutionally secular, the presence of religious symbols can be both a cultural artefact and a point of debate.

The Role of Religious Symbols in Sierra Leone

Sierra Leone’s legal system, while secular in structure, retains the practice of administering oaths on the Bible or other holy books. This is recognised in the Oaths Act, which accommodates religious diversity by allowing oaths to be taken on texts appropriate to the witness’s faith.

Symbolic and Cultural Significance

The Bible on the Law Courts building reflects historical reliance on Christian oaths to ensure truthfulness. For many in Sierra Leone, the image reinforces the moral obligation to speak the truth in court.

Secular Considerations

In increasingly pluralistic societies, reliance on religious symbols must be balanced with inclusivity. Courts often provide for affirmations in place of religious oaths to ensure that all witnesses, regardless of faith, can participate on equal terms.

Comparative Context

In the United Kingdom, similar traditions exist, but modern practice strongly accommodates non-religious affirmations. Religious imagery is less common in contemporary court design.

Conclusion

Religious symbols in judicial architecture can reinforce cultural continuity and moral values, but they must be interpreted in ways that uphold the inclusivity of a secular legal system. In Sierra Leone, the Bible on the Law Courts building remains a respected emblem, while procedural law ensures that justice is accessible to all.

Essay 5: Critically assess whether the symbolism of the Law Courts building should evolve to reflect contemporary Sierra Leonean society

Introduction

The Law Courts building in Freetown is a heritage structure, and its symbolism is rooted in colonial-era interpretations of justice. While these symbols still carry meaning, questions arise about whether they adequately reflect the values, diversity, and aspirations of contemporary Sierra Leone.

Arguments for Preservation

Preserving the existing symbols maintains a tangible connection to legal history. The building is part of the nation’s architectural heritage and a visual reminder of the continuity of the rule of law. Altering the symbols could be seen as erasing an important part of Sierra Leone’s judicial identity.

Arguments for Adaptation

Modern Sierra Leone is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and democratic society. Incorporating symbols that reflect local cultural heritage and modern values could make the judiciary more relatable to the public. For example, integrating motifs from traditional Sierra Leonean justice systems could demonstrate respect for customary law.

Balancing Heritage and Modernity

It is possible to preserve the existing symbols while adding new ones. Plaques, murals, or interior artwork could expand the visual narrative to include contemporary values such as human rights, gender equality, and environmental stewardship.

Comparative Perspective

In the UK and other common law jurisdictions, historic court buildings are often preserved in their original form, with modern symbolism introduced in new court facilities or interior renovations. This approach respects heritage while embracing change.

Conclusion

The symbolism of the Law Courts building should be preserved but supplemented. By adding elements that reflect contemporary Sierra Leonean society, the judiciary can honour its history while demonstrating its relevance to modern citizens.

Sources:

• Sierra Leone historical records on the Law Courts Building and its foundation by the Duke of Connaughtpjhap.wordpress.com.

• Academic and historical references on legal symbolism (beards symbolizing wisdomsmarthistory.org; owls as emblems of wisdomtriplemoonpsychotherapy.com; eagles and imperial majestywalksinsiderome.com; the Crown as symbol of authoritythecanadianencyclopedia.ca; swords and scales in justice iconographyen.wikipedia.orgen.wikipedia.org).

• Common law traditions of oaths and equality before the lawgla.ac.ukchinadaily.com.cn.

• Architectural commentary on courthouses conveying stability and justice through neoclassical designarchitecturecourses.org