Many people only encounter the criminal justice system through headlines, police stations, or the courtroom gallery. But very few truly understand what happens between an arrest and the final decision of the court.
What rights does a person have when they are arrested?
How does a court decide whether to grant bail?
What happens before a criminal trial begins?
And what actually determines whether a person is convicted or acquitted?
These are important questions not only for lawyers but also for prosecutors, law students, and members of the public who want to understand how criminal justice works in practice.
Our three-day Criminal Law and Procedure Bootcamp is designed to explain these processes clearly and practically. The sessions will walk participants through the life of a criminal case — from the moment of arrest all the way to sentencing.
Day 1: From Arrest to Court
Constitutional Rights and the Arrest Process
The session begins with the constitutional protections provided to every person under Article 14 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana.
Participants will explore:
The rights of arrested persons and what must happen within specific timelines
When the police can arrest with or without a warrant
Common examples of illegal arrests and how they occur in practice
Access to clients in police custody and the importance of police statements
Understanding these issues is critical not only for lawyers but also for the public, because constitutional rights are often first tested at the moment of arrest.
Bail Applications That Work
One of the most important early stages in a criminal case is the application for bail.
This session will explain:
What judges actually consider when deciding whether to grant bail
How lawyers present persuasive bail applications
How to deal with prosecution objections
When repeat bail applications may be appropriate
Practical steps to follow after bail has been granted
Participants will gain insight into how courts balance the liberty of the accused person with the interests of justice.
Day 2: Pre-Trial Essentials
Before a criminal trial begins, several important procedural steps take place. These stages often determine how strong or weak a case will eventually be in court.
Case Management Conference
Many people are surprised to learn that criminal cases involve structured pre-trial conferences where both sides prepare the case for trial.
This session will discuss:
The purpose of the Case Management Conference (CMC)
The prosecution’s legal duty to disclose evidence
Access to witness statements and exhibits
The defence of alibi and when it must be raised
Strategic considerations when preparing defence witnesses
Understanding this stage helps lawyers prepare effectively and also helps the public see that criminal trials are not simply decided without preparation.
Evidence and Disclosure Evaluation
Once disclosure is received, lawyers must carefully evaluate the materials.
Participants will learn how to:
Understand charge sheets under the Criminal and Other Offences Act, 1960
Identify defective charges and the remedies available
Understand how charges can be amended
Evaluate options such as acquittal, discharge, or plea negotiation
Assess the strength of evidence before the trial begins
These discussions will help participants develop a clearer understanding of how criminal cases are analyzed before they reach the trial stage.
Day 3: Trial Essentials
The final day focuses on the courtroom itself — where evidence is tested and the fate of the accused is decided.
Trial Tips
Participants will learn practical courtroom techniques including:
Handling confession statements and challenging their admissibility
Practical cross-examination techniques
Understanding the basics of a mini-trial
Knowing when and how to make a submission of no case
These skills are essential for young lawyers and prosecutors who appear regularly in criminal courts.
Closing the Case
Every criminal trial ultimately ends with final submissions and sentencing considerations.
This final session will examine:
The structure of an effective closing address
Common mistakes lawyers make in final addresses
How to deliver a strong plea in mitigation
Properly structuring mitigation arguments
The factors courts consider during sentencing
Participants will leave with a clearer understanding of how criminal cases are concluded and decided by the courts.
Who Should Attend?
This bootcamp is designed for:
Young lawyers entering criminal practice
Prosecutors and state attorneys
Law students interested in criminal litigation
Members of the public who want a deeper understanding of the criminal justice process
Why This Bootcamp Matters
Criminal law affects the liberty, reputation, and future of individuals. Understanding how the system works is therefore important not only for lawyers but for society as a whole. By walking participants through the full life cycle of a criminal case, this bootcamp provides practical insight into how criminal justice actually operates in Ghanaian courts. Whether you are appearing in court, prosecuting cases, studying law, or simply seeking to understand the justice system better, this program offers a valuable opportunity to learn from experienced judges.
