Journalism And The Legal Environment In Post-conflict Sierra Leone:How Has The Law Affected The Operations Of The Media?

After a review of the literature relevant to Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression both over time and across the legal laws, this thesis confines it research to a case study of the effects of the laws on the operations of the media.Collation of the relevant data is followed by discussion and views of Freedom of Speech and Freedom of Expression in retrospect of repealing the Public Order Act of1965from the law books of Sierra Leone over a10-years period from2002to2012.This is considered in terms of the efforts and legal actions in getting rid of the obnoxious libel law. Next an analysis of major themes that emerged from the research in terms of legal ramification and challenges and areas of possible replacement of seditious libel with a civil libel law is presented.After analyzing the relevant information, it became apparent that Seditious Libel has a direct bearing on the operations of the media. However, this long term focus has overweighed the positive work of media practitioners towards the practice of democracy. This important aspect speaks for a long term fight to repeal Seditious Libel.Although Seditious Libel has and is still undergoing continues advocacy to repeal it, significant inroads have been made in most countries around the world to enhance a free press and freedom of express. Since the repealing of Seditious Libel most countries have benefitted immensely through constructive criticism that has led to boost the principles of good governance and it remains to be a relevant issue in many countries which are required to emulate the latter to foster socio-political and economic development through constructive criticisms.