A critical analysis of the impact of the Bill of Rights on punishment in Malawi

Malawi's penal regime has a long history of retributive and deterrent punishment and unfair trials. In the absence of a constitutional set up that recognised human rights and driven by the need to maintain colonial authority, punishment during the colonial period was largely premised on retribution and deterrence. The one-party regime that took over after independence was characterised by gross violation of human rights. The adoption of the Constitution in 1994 ushered in a more humane regime of punishment premised on human rights. Complemented by international law, the Bill of Rights has several provisions which clearly intend to create a penal system that is consistent with international standards. This study examines the extent to which punishment in Malawi reflects international and constitutional standards regarding the aims of punishment, the forms of punishment, and post-sentencing procedures. In answering this question, the study investigates whether, over 20 years after the adoption of the Constitution, Malawi has realised the promises of the Bill of Rights for punishment. It therefore analyses the aims of punishment, the forms of punishment, and release procedures to determine if they comply with Constitution. The findings of this thesis reveal that while some progress has been made in aligning the penal regime with constitutional and international standards, there are some aspects of punishment that are in conflict with these standards. The study proposes some solutions to address these gaps

A Critical Appraisal of the Role of Retribution in Malawian Sentencing Jurisprudence

The theory of retribution is a central tenet in Malawian sentencing jurisprudence. Courts have given expression to retribution in various ways, most conspicuously through the recognition of the principle of proportionality as the most important principle in sentencing. Retribution has permeated courts’ consideration of certain sentencing factors such as the seriousness of the offence, family obligations and public opinion. Overall, retribution rightly plays a pivotal role in Malawian sentencing jurisprudence by elevating the principle of proportionality to the most important principle in sentencing. Malawian courts have also noted that whether in pursuit of retribution or utilitarianism, the ultimate objective is to arrive at a sentence that is just and fair in relation to the crime and the offender. This also ensures that the sentence imposed does not offend the prohibition of cruel, inhuman and degrading punishment