GENERAL KNOWLEDGE Flashcards
What is the Summary of Case of City of HIppo v Desmond Peters
On 5th January 2010, a handbag containing jewelry and 900 Kudu Bucks was taken from Louisa Singano as she returned from the market along Brown road. The victim and other witnesses identified the accused as Desmond Peters.
Desmond Peters was present at Brown’s Road at the time of the theft. He was arrested and immediately confessed to being a pick-pocket but denied taking the purse.
What are the Bad facts for the prosecution in the Hippo v Desmond Peters Case?
- Uncertainty as to the identity of the accused. Louisa Singano was not wearing her glasses and could not see the boy’s face. Said Mohammed ran after the boys but he lost sight of them a few times.
- Contradiction in the description of clothing. Louisa claimed that one boy had a white T-Shirt and the other had a blue T-Shirt. However, Edwin Kwanza alleges that both boys wore white T-shirts.
- Inconsistent dates: Theela Singano and Louisa Singano state that the purse was stone on 5/01/2010 while the other states that it was
- Accused was not out of breath when they came across him (This is inconsistent with someone who was said to be running)
- Accused (Desmond Peters) was not in possession of the stolen property, there is no direct evidence that connects him with the offense.
- Bad blood. Said Mohammed had threatened the accused person and his uncle with arrest. He has a grudge against the accused person. Edwin Kwanza confirms there is bad blood btn Said Mohammed and the accused person’s uncle. (This affects witness credibility)
What are the GOOD FACTS for prosecution in the CITY OF HIPPO VS DESMOND PETERS Case?
- Said Mohammed knows the accused (This points to the fact that he was in a position to positively identify the accused as one of the thieves. He alleges he saw them cut the bag with a razor and run off when he was 50 feet away
- Age of Desmond Peters, and the fact that he is 12 years old match the description made by Louisa Singagno.
- Desmond’s clothing matches Louisa’s description. She said she two boys one with a white shirt and another with a blue shirt, Said Mohammed came back with a boy wearing a blue shirt
- Desmond’s character: The accused admits that he has a habit of pickpocketing and stealing when he has no money for food. He further admits that he steals money but has never been charged with the said offense.
Sample opening statement for PROSECUTION in Desmond Peters Case?
Your Honour, this is a story about choices. When Desmond Peters goes to work like most of us, he has his tools of the trade. Just like a chef has ingredients, a teacher has a textbook and a thief has a razor blade. An accomplice has the cover of a crowd.
On the 5th of January 2010, the accused person went to work, he followed the victim, cut her plastic bag to retrieve her purse, and passed it to his accomplice who ran with it. This choice would allow him to quietly take something that did not belong to him without being discovered.
Sample Opening statement for the ACCUSED in the Desmond Peter’s Case?
Your Honor, the accused person’s case tells a tale of mistaken identity and a young man’s life that is in danger of being ruined. It is simply a case of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Your Honor, The prosecution seeks to place young Desmond on the stand to answer for a crime he did not commit based on the frankly dubious, biased, and unreliable eyewitness testimony.
The prosecution’s star witness Ms. Louisa Singano admits that she could not positively identify Desmond Peters as one of the persons who stole from her since her eyesight is compromised. The Prosecution’s case against the accused person is marred by inconsistencies and blatant irregularities in both eyewitness statements and investigative procedures.
Good Facts for Faith in the FAITH MUENI Case?
- Faith says that Alphonce took dowry to her parents asking for her hand in marriage .
- Lived on the land for 13 years under the knowledge of Alphonso
- Had 3 children with Alphonso
- They had a customary marriage (Kiambu laws)
- They had 1 child according to Alphonse
- Mzee Nyamai was present during the Betrothal and also witnessed the payment of dowry
- There is a picture taken during the Betrothal ceremony
- Alphonso built a small house and cattle pens for Faith and the kids
Bad facts for FAITH in the FAITH MUENI Case?
- Her name was not on the sale agreement
- She did not make any monetary contributions to the land
- The Diary that shows contributions she made to the household is missing
- She did not know the name of the title deed
- Alphonce denied being married to Faith
- Alphonce was married to Alice Gachungwa
- He bought the farm on his own
- Charles Muema a long-time friend of Alphonse does not acknowledge Faith Mueni as the wife
- Alice Gachungwaand Alphonce were legally married under the church
- Alphonce wanted to build a house for his young pretty church wed wife
What is Work Study?
Work study uses techniques like method study and work measurement to understand human work potential in terms of time spend on completing a task, looking at ways to make the task simpler and easy, as to increase productivity and efficiency.
That is a Ratio Trend Analysis?
This is the quickest HR forecasting technique. The technique involves studying past ratios, say, between the number of workers and sales in an organization and forecasting future ratios, making some allowance or changes in the organization or its methods.
What is Scatter Plot?
Scatter plot: is a graphical method used to help identify the relationship between two variables. If an HR manager can forecast the level of business activity, he should also estimate personnel requirements.
What is Trend Analysis?
Trend Analysis: means studying a firm’s past employment needs over the years to predict the future. The purpose is to identify trends that might continue. It provides an initial estimate.
What is Ratio Analysis?
Ratio Analysis:is a forecasting technique for determining future staff requirements by using ratios between, for example, sales volume and number of employees needed. It means making forecasts based on the ratio between any causal factor and the number of employees required. Ratio analysis assumes that productivity remains the same.
What is Brainstorming?
Brainstorming: is a popular method for encouraging creative thinking in groups of about five to eight people (Ivanceivich, 1998).
What is the Nominal Technique?
Nominal technique: A nominal group exists in name only, with members having minimal interaction before producing a decision. Participants are asked to write their ideas anonymously. Then the facilitator collects the ideas, and the group votes on each idea. The group should be prepared and encouraged to embrace the process.
What is the Delphi Technique?
Delphi technique: is based on the principle that forecasts (or decisions) from a structured group of individuals are more accurate than those from the unstructured group.
What are Forecasting Techniques?
Human resource forecasting techniques typically include using past data to predict future staffing needs.
Who can impeach a witness?
Any party may impeach the credibility of a witness by giving evidence to suggest that the witness direct testimony is unworthy of belief.[2]However, Section 161 (1) of the Evidence Act states that the person who calls a witness cannot put any questions to the witness with an aim of discrediting him without the consent of the court.[3]
Courts have been of the opinion that the laid down procedure should be followed when impeaching a witness. In Edusei Asili Malema v Republic[4] The appellant in his appeal raised the issue that the learned Judge erred in law in allowing two of the witnesses to be treated as hostile witnesses without following the proper procedure. Regarding the procedure for declaring a witness to be hostile, the court noted that section 161(1) of the Evidence Act which gives the court discretion to permit the person who calls a witness to put any questions to him which might be put in cross- examination by the adverse party and section 163(1) (c) which categorizes the evidence which may be called by an adverse party or with the consent of the court, by the party who calls him for impeachment of his credit are relevant
What are the LEGAL PROVISIONS for impeaching a witness?
While impeaching a witness, the following legal provisions are adopted as a guide:-
– The Constitution of Kenya 2010 and specifically Article 50 on fair hearing
So as to accord a fair trial, one is entitled to cross examine witness of either party during trial.
– The Evidence Act, Cap 80 Laws of Kenya
It explains who can impeach a witness, when, why and the process to be followed for an effective impeachment exercise.
What is impeachment?
Impeachment is the action of calling into question the integrity or validity of something.[1] Impeachment of a witness is therefore the process of calling into question the credibility of an individual testifying in a trial. Under common law, impeachment is the process of introducing circumstantial evidence to suggest a likelihood that a witness does not understand the need to tell the truth, is lying, the testimony is incomplete or the witness is mistaken.
Who is a Hostile Witness?
A hostile witness Changes their position from what they had said on the witness statement. Shows no desire to say the truth.
Arises in examination in chief and unfavorable arise in cross-examination. The court is the one that declares a witness is hostile.
Seek permission from the court to declare them hostile so that you can impeach them and allow you to cross-examine the witness. Evidence is admissible.
What is the difference between a FREE HOLD and LEASE HOLD interest in land?
When you buy a freehold property, you own the property and the land it sits on.
When you buy a leasehold property, you own the property but not the land
Under freehold, the landlord owns the property for as long as that person’s lineage persists.
Under leasehold, the person only owns the property for a specified period. When that period elapses, the land goes back to the grantor holding the leasehold title deed.
Is the promise to marry enforced by specific performance?
IT IS A CONTRACT
There can be no action for breach of promise unless a contract to marry has been made. There are no formal requirements regarding the contract. It need not to be evidenced by writing and the law prescribes no particular form of words
Damages can be sort but not specific performance
What is a PRENUP Document?
The prenuptial document (Prenup) under The Matrimonial Property Act is an agreement made by parties to an intended marriage and which establishes the property and financial rights of each spouse in the event of a divorce. It sets out the terms of ownership of assets, how to treat future earnings between the parties, control of the property and how the properties will be divided in the unfortunate event of a divorce. This agreement on its own takes precedence over other principles of subdividing matrimonial property.Prenups are deemed to be a tool that addresses the inherent financial risks associated with a divorce. They enable parties to pre-characterize their current and future properties and any related income streams as either marital or nonmarital. Non-marital property
may include property acquired by gift or inheritance before or during the subsistence of a marriage as well as property that is acquired by one party before a marriage.
What is CIRCUMSTANTIAL EVIDENCE CONVICT?
Before circumstantial evidence can form the basis of a conviction,, it must satisfy several conditions, which are designed to ensure that it unerringly points to the Accused person, and to no other person, as the perpetrator of the offence. If it doesn’t, no conviction will occur
What is the Principle in the case of Vernon v Bethell?
The case stands for the principle “once a mortgage, always a mortgage”, meaning a borrower cannot contract to give up his automatic right to redeem title to his property once the debt is paid. It was a landmark decision in upholding some basic protection at common law for debtors.
What is Ejusdem generis principle?
Ejusdem generis, or literally “of the same kind or class,” is a long-standing principle of both contract and statutory interpretation. It provides that, where a general word or phrase follows a list of specific terms, the general word will be interpreted to include only items of a similar nature to the terms specified.
What is the meaning of “Noscitur a sociis?
: a doctrine or rule of construction: the meaning of an unclear or ambiguous word (as in a statute or contract) should be determined by considering the words with which it is associated in the context.
What is Locus Standi?
the right or ability to bring legal action to a court of law, or to appear in a court.
What is Casus Omissus?
: a situation omitted from or not provided for by statute or regulation and therefore governed by the common law.
Legal Definition of in Pari Materia?
: on the same subject or matter : in a similar case. Note: It is a doctrine in statutory construction that statutes that are in pari materia must be construed together.
What is the basic principle of Statutory interpretation?
First, the guiding principle of the interpretation of all legal documents is that the interpreter is required to establish the intention of those who are responsible for producing the document concerned. In the case of contracts, this means the parties. In the case of statutes, it is the legislature.
What is the meant by ‘The literal rule of interpretation’?
The Literal Rule means that the words need to be interpreted in the strict ordinary meaning and the scope of words should not be considered more than its ordinary meaning. The words are to be understood in their ordinary and natural meaning unless the object of the statute suggests otherwise4.
What is the ‘Doctrine of Severability’?
The doctrine of severability means that when some particular provision of a statute offends or is against a constitutional limitation, but that provision is severable from the rest of the statute, only that offending provision will be declared void by the Court and not the entire statute.
What is a ‘Force Majeure’?
Force majeure is a French term that literally means “greater force.” It is related to the concept of an act of God, an event for which no party can be held accountable, such as a hurricane or a tornado
Defense for failure to complete ontract
What is an example of a Force Majeure? Typical Force Majeure events include natural causes (fire, storms, floods), governmental or societal actions (war, invasion, civil unrest, labor strikes), infrastructure failures (transportation, energy), etc.
How is matrimonial property divided after divorce?
Subject to section 6(3), ownership of matrimonial property vests in the spouses according to the contribution of either spouse towards its acquisition, and shall be divided between the spouses if they divorce or their marriage is otherwise dissolved.
What are the grounds for divorce in a Kenyan Civil, Christian, or Customary marriage?
- Acts of adultery committed by either spouse
- Cruelty, whether mentally or physically, caused by their spouse to them or their children
- Abandonment by either spouse for at least 3 years before the date when they present their divorce petition
- Exceptional moral corruption or wickedness.
- The permanent breakdown of the marriage.
When does Kenyan law consider a marriage irretrievably broken down?
- a spouse commits adultery,
- a spouse is cruel to the other spouse or to any child of the marriage.
- a spouse willfully neglects the other spouse for at least two years.
- The couple have been separated for at least two years.
- A spouse has deserted their partner for at least three years.
- A spouse has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment for life or for a term of seven years or more.
- A spouse has been diagnosed with a severe mental health disorder This is to be certified by two doctors and one of them must be a psychiatrist.
What is the divorce process in Kenyan courts?
The divorce process starts when the person seeking the divorce (petitioner) files a petition for divorce in a court of law. In the petition they will outline why they are asking for a divorce, and include:
A Verifying Affidavit – a sworn declaration by the petitioner saying the contents of the petition are true to the best of their knowledge, information, and belief.
Notice to Appear- a document that alerts the respondent (the other party) that a petition has been filed against them.
Acknowledgement of Service- a document signed by the respondent personally to acknowledge that they have received the petition.
List of Witnesses – A list of witnesses that the petitioner intends to call to testify at the hearing of the petition.
Witness Statements – The witnesses must give their signed statements ( an account of the facts as argued by the petitioner
List of Documents – If you wish to rely on documents, you must give a list of them and attach copies to the petition.
Step 2: Notice to appear
Once the petitioner files the petition, the magistrate will sign the Notice to Appear. This is a document that alerts the Respondent (the other party) that a petition has been filed against them and that they should enter appearance (give a formal notice that they or their lawyer plan to maintain or contest the issue) within fifteen (15) days.
Step 3: Respondent’s response
If the Respondent contests the divorce petition, they will have to file a response and serve the Petitioner.
Step 4: Registrar’s certificate
After 15 days, the Petitioner will ask the court to issue a Registrar’s Certificate. This means that the petition is ready to go for hearing.
Step 5: Hearing of the Petition
The petition is fixed, and a hearing takes place. During the hearing, the Petitioner will bring evidence to show the court that the marriage has broken down irretrievably. If the Respondent contests the petition, they will also call witnesses and bring evidence to support their case.
Once this is done, the court will set a date for judgment.
Step 6 : Decree Nisii
On the day that was set for judgment, the court will decide whether there is sufficient grounds to for the divorce to be granted. If it finds sufficient grounds, it will issue the first divorce decree, known as decree Nisii.
The couple will then have a month to decide if they want the divorce to be made final or not. Once this is issued, you will have 1 month to determine whether you really want the marriage dissolution to be made final or not.
Step 7: Decree Absolute
Once a month is over and there has been no change of heart, the court will now issue a Decree Absolute.
This is the final stage of the divorce process and confirms that the marriage has been dissolved.
How many courts are there in Kenya?
The Judiciary of Kenya consists of five Superior courts made up of the Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, High Court, Industrial Court, Environment and Land Court. The subordinate courts consist of the Magistrate Court, Courts Martial and Kadhi Court.
What are sources of law in Kenya?
Constitution/ Code.
Legislative Enactment - Statute.
Judicial Decisions.
Treaties.
Other Sources.
How long is a court order valid in Kenya?
12 years for actions to recover land. 12 years from the date of the judgment for an action based on a judgment issued by the courts.
Who is the head of judiciary in Kenya?
Hon. Lady Justice Martha Karambu Koome was appointed the Chief Justice of Kenya in May 2021.
What is the difference between a Judge and Magistrate?
A magistrate is a minor judicial officer or a civil officer of a state who handles minor cases in a specific area like a town, district etc. A Judge is a judicial officer who administers court proceedings and gives judgment on legal cases after analyzing the facts and evidence related to the case.
How many judges are in Kenya?
The Supreme Court is made up of seven judges: the Chief Justice, who is the President of the Court, the Deputy Chief Justice, who is the Vice-president of the Court, and five other judges.
How are Kenyan Laws administered?
The Court is organized and administered in the manner prescribed by an Act of Parliament. The Court has a Principal Judge, who is elected by the judges of the High Court from among themselves.
What happens during the closing of pleadings?
After Plaintiff files and serves the reply to the counterclaim, pleadings will be closed. If no reply is served, then the Defence will be considered as the last document to be filed. Fourteen (14) days after filing and serving the reply to Counterclaim if any.
8. After the close of the pleadings parties are required to complete, file, and serve a pre-trial questionnaire. This is the first in a series of pre-trial procedures. Within ten (10) days after the close of pleadings.
9. The court then convenes a Case Conference. A Case Conference is meant to enable the court to identify the disputed issues as well as set up the manner in which it will conduct the proceedings. The Court could also help the parties to settle the whole or part of the case. The Court issues a Case Conference Order at the end of the Case Conference Within thirty (30) days after the close of pleadings.
What are the requirements for LSK membership?
Any advocate who is a member by virtue of Section 28 of the Advocates Act
Any advocate seleted as an ‘Honourary
Member’ under Section 7 of the LSK Act.
The Council elects a person whom it may think
fit so to honour, either for life or for a defined
period determined by the Council.
Any person who has at any time previously been a
member of the Society and who complies with the
regulations of the Society for the time being in
force.This provision does not apply to a person who has been suspended from practice or whose name is
struck off the Roll of Advocates.
Any advocate selected as a ‘Special Member’
under Section 6 of the LSK Act.
This section creates what is called ‘special
membership’ for advocates under Section 9 of
the Advocates Act and other qualified legal
personnel who are currently resident in Kenya.