-Chief Justice Gbeisay Opens Supreme Court Term
MONROVIA, Liberia – Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay delivered a stern call for respect for the rule of law, institutional discipline, and responsible public discourse as the Supreme Court of Liberia officially opened its March Term of Court Monday at the Temple of Justice on Capitol Hill.
The ceremony, attended by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon, senior government officials, and members of the legal community, served as both a reflection on the state of Liberia’s justice system and a roadmap for reform within the judiciary.
In his keynote remarks, Chief Justice Gbeisay warned that Liberia’s democratic stability depends on respect for the law and the institutions charged with enforcing it.
“The judiciary is undoubtedly the custodian of our democracy. When the law is rejected or neglected, the state itself is neglected,” the Chief Justice declared.
Judiciary Budget and Judicial Independence
Chief Justice Gbeisay used the occasion to highlight the financial challenges facing the judiciary, noting that the branch receives less than three percent of the national budget.
He emphasized that adequate funding for courts, judges, and judicial staff remains critical to strengthening the rule of law and improving access to justice across Liberia.
The Chief Justice also raised the lingering issue of salary deductions from judges under the government’s 2018 salary harmonization program, revealing that the matter remains pending before the Supreme Court.
However, he acknowledged that President Boakai’s administration has already made partial payments toward resolving the dispute.
“We believe this matter can be resolved through cooperation and coordination among the three branches of government,” he said.
Strengthening Legal Practice
Chief Justice Gbeisay announced several initiatives aimed at strengthening professional standards within Liberia’s legal system.
Among them is a directive requiring all practicing lawyers in Liberia to submit their full names, addresses, and law firm details to the Supreme Court to create a national directory that will be circulated to courts across the country.
“This is a policy, not a request, and it will be enforced to the letter,” he warned members of the Bar.
The Supreme Court has also established a Judicial Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability Division to oversee the conduct and performance of judicial personnel nationwide.
According to the Chief Justice, the new division has already contributed to improved oversight and increased revenue collection through court fees and fines.
Warning Against Abusive Speech
Chief Justice Gbeisay also referenced the Court’s recent contempt ruling involving Mr. Justin Opa Yeazean, reiterating that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly.
The Court found Yeazean guilty of contempt for repeated public attacks on members of the Supreme Court bench.
While the Court imposed a six-month conditional sentence after the accused pleaded for mercy, the Chief Justice emphasized that such behavior undermines public confidence in the judiciary.
“Our country has been perceived in recent history as a lawless nation in this region. Something has to be done to bring our people to civility,” he said.
Government and Bar Support Judicial Reforms
Also speaking at the ceremony, Liberia’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Natu Oswald Tweh, reaffirmed the Executive Branch’s commitment to supporting judicial reform and strengthening cooperation between the branches of government.
“The Executive Branch will lend its support to ensure that the judiciary is manned by informed, competent, qualified, morally upright, and independent men and women,” Tweh said.
He emphasized the importance of specialized training for judges and judicial personnel in order to improve the quality of justice delivered to Liberians.
Meanwhile, the President of the Liberia National Bar Association, Cllr. F. Juah Lawson, pledged the Bar’s continued cooperation with the judiciary to strengthen the justice system.
“Lawyers serve not only as advocates for their clients but also as officers of the court and guardians of justice,” Lawson said.
She also commended the Supreme Court for adjudicating 63 cases during its October Term, describing the achievement as a positive step toward reducing delays in Liberia’s judicial system.
As Liberia’s highest court begins its new term, Chief Justice Gbeisay stressed that the judiciary remains determined to uphold its constitutional mandate.
“The inherent power of the court is not only to rule, but to discipline society,” he said.
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