-Calls for Discipline, Integrity, and Accountability Across the Judiciary
MONROVIA – Liberia’s Chief Justice, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has announced the introduction of an annual performance-based award system for judges and magistrates, aimed at promoting excellence, professionalism, and accountability within the Judiciary-.
The Chief Justice made the announcement Monday, June 15, 2026, during the formal opening of the June Term A.D. 2026 of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court for Montserrado County.
“In fact, I have come to let you know that all judges and magistrates will now be evaluated based on their performance. We will annually honor the best-performing judges and magistrates in our court system,” Chief Justice Gbeisay declared.
According to him, the new initiative is designed to encourage judicial officers to uphold the highest standards of service while enhancing public confidence in Liberia’s justice system.
The Chief Justice explained that the evaluation process will be based on several key performance indicators, including the speed with which cases are handled, the quality and accuracy of judicial decisions, integrity, punctuality, courtroom management, and the rate at which a judge’s rulings are affirmed or overturned by the Supreme Court.
Additional criteria will include discipline, accountability, professional appearance, adherence to judicial ethics, and the number of disciplinary complaints filed against a judicial officer.
The announcement came during the opening of the June Term of Court, one of the Judiciary’s quarterly sessions. The Sixth Judicial Circuit Civil Law Court for Montserrado County is mandated to open its terms on the third Monday of March, June, September, and December each year.
Uphold Integrity and Public Trust
Chief Justice Gbeisay used the occasion to call on judges, magistrates, and other justice sector actors to remain committed to their responsibilities and to uphold the integrity of the Judiciary.
“We are the hope, and if we are given a piece of a job to do, we must do it to the best of our ability and with integrity,” he emphasized.
Reflecting on his 28 years of service within the judicial system, the Chief Justice urged members of the bench to conduct themselves with honesty, fairness, and professionalism, noting that the credibility of the Judiciary depends on the conduct of its officers.
He stressed that maintaining discipline within the institution remains a top priority under his leadership.
“If you are a magistrate or judge who comes here to enrich yourself rather than serve justice, you will be disciplined,” he warned.
Welcome Back to the Bench
During his remarks, Chief Justice Gbeisay also welcomed Judge J. Kennedy Peabody, Resident Circuit Judge of the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Civil Law Court for Montserrado County, back to active judicial service following the completion of a Supreme Court-imposed disciplinary sanction.
“I would like to say welcome back to the Judiciary, and it is my prayer that we will all continue to serve with dignity,” the Chief Justice stated.
The introduction of the performance-based award system is expected to form part of broader efforts by the Judiciary to strengthen accountability, improve service delivery, and reinforce ethical standards throughout Liberia’s court system.
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