Students from Hope Academy on Monday paid a visit to the Chief Justice, Prof. Sam Rugege. The learners, who were accompanied by their headmaster, Isa Gokturk Yilmaz and other teachers, asked the chief justice a number of questions concerning the judiciary which he happily answered. SOLOMON ASABA was present and recorded the proceedings 

Nadege Uwase, 10 years

Qn: What do I have to study to become a judge?

Answer: To become a judge, you need a lot of experience in the discipline of law. First you study law, then you practice and your reputation and qualifications earns you such a position.

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Kaylene Rehma, 13 years

Qn: If a judge commits a crime, does he go to the same prison?

Answer: No one is above the law; even judges can be tried and imprisoned if guilty.

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Nalan Alkis

Qn: What are the advantages and disadvantages of being a judge?

Answer: Being a judge is not simple because you have to make decisions that cannot favour both parties but only those who deserve justice. It involves a lot of work and a lot of responsibility.

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Barbara Murenzi

Qn: What are the most common crimes in the Supreme Court?

Answer: The common crimes in the Supreme Court usually arise from either conflicts, criminal and civil disputes.  Criminal offences include killings, robbery, and bribery while civil disputes may arise from breach of personal agreements.

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Ishimwe Kanimba

Qn: Is there a death penalty in Rwanda?

Answer: There is no death penalty in Rwanda; it was scrapped because many people had already shed blood during the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi.

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Patrick Chima, 12 years

Qn: What happens to people who lie under oath?

Answer: Lying its self is a crime, and people who lie under oath are also liable to prosecution.