UBUSHINJACYAHA v. DUSABEYEZU

UBUSHINJACYAHA v. DUSABEYEZU

The Supreme Court held that reduction of sentence due to minority is separate from reduction for admission of guilt. Since Dusabeyezu fully admitted guilt, he was entitled to an additional reduction under the law, resulting in a sentence of seven years' imprisonment.

Citation
RPAA 0014/10/CS
Parties
Prosecution: Ubushinjacyaha; Appellant: Dusabeyezu Damascène
Court
Supreme Court
Jurisdiction
Rwanda
Judgment Date
25 October 2013
Case Number
RPAA 0014/10/CS
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Supreme Court Final Appeal
Outcome
Appeal allowed; sentence reduced.
Legal Topics
Reduction of Sentence, Admission of Guilt, Juvenile Offender, Sentencing Principles
Source Language
rw
Criminal Law Juvenile Justice Reduction of Sentence Admission of Guilt Juvenile Offender Sentencing Principles

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Parties

Ubushinjacyaha

Prosecution

Dusabeyezu Damascène

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Supreme Court Final Appeal

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Dusabeyezu should receive further reduction of sentence based on admission of guilt in addition to reduction for being a minor

Ratio Decidendi

The Supreme Court held that reduction of sentence due to minority is separate from reduction for admission of guilt. Since Dusabeyezu fully admitted guilt, he was entitled to an additional reduction under the law, resulting in a sentence of seven years' imprisonment.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed; sentence reduced.

Orders

  • Dusabeyezu sentenced to seven years' imprisonment.
  • Court fees to be paid by the State.