Arrest by Magistrate

Arrest by Magistrate (Criminal Procedure Act, Cap. 20 R.E. 2022)

Section 17 provides that any magistrate has the authority to arrest or issue a warrant for the arrest of a person whom they reasonably believe has committed an offence within their local jurisdiction. This allows magistrates to take immediate action when they have reasonable grounds to believe that a crime has been committed within their designated area.

Section 18: Magistrate’s Arrest for Offences Committed in Presence (Criminal Procedure Act, Cap. 20 R.E. 2022)

Section 18 further clarifies that when an offence is committed in the presence of a magistrate within their jurisdiction, the magistrate may personally make the arrest or instruct another person to arrest the offender. Additionally, the magistrate has the power to commit the offender to custody, subject to the legal provisions concerning the granting of bail.

These provisions enable magistrates to act promptly and decisively when they are directly involved in or witness criminal activities within their jurisdiction.