–Judiciary Boss Calls for Integrity, Courage and Compassion as New Magistrates Prepare to Serve Across Liberia
MONROVIA – Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr. has challenged Liberia’s newest magistrates to become symbols of integrity, fairness and courage, warning that corruption within the judiciary erodes public confidence in the entire justice system.
Delivering a special statement at the 5th Graduation Exercises of the James A. A. Pierre Judicial Institute, the Chief Justice commissioned 64 newly trained magistrates into judicial service and reminded them that every decision they make will shape how ordinary Liberians perceive justice.
“When you are patient, people believe in justice. When you are fair, people respect the law. When you are corrupt, people lose faith in all of us,” Gbeisay declared.
The ceremony, held at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, brought together Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, Finance and Development Planning Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan, Attorney General and Justice Minister N. Oswald Tweh, members of the Trial Judges Association of Liberia, the Liberian National Bar Association, development partners and members of the judiciary.
First Graduation Under the Gbeisay Bench
Describing the occasion as personally significant, Chief Justice Gbeisay noted that it was the first graduation ceremony of the Judicial Institute since he assumed leadership of Liberia’s highest court.
“This is a special occasion for me because it is the first graduation of the Judicial Institute under the Gbeisay Bench,” he said.
He reminded the graduates that the Institute bears the name of the late legal luminary James A. A. Pierre, whose vision was that every judicial officer should be thoroughly trained before assuming responsibility on the bench.
“The James A. A. Pierre Judicial Institute… was established by the Supreme Court to ensure that every person who wears the robe—from the Supreme Court to the magisterial court—is trained, tested and prepared,” the Chief Justice said.
‘You Are the Human Face of the Judiciary’
Gbeisay urged the graduates never to lose sight of the people they will serve.
He observed that litigants appearing before magistrates are often ordinary Liberians confronting some of the most painful moments of their lives—including land disputes, debt cases, juvenile offenses and sexual violence.
“People do not come to you looking for legal theories,” he said.
“They come to you with real problems.”
He reminded the graduates that magistrates are often the public’s first and most direct interaction with the judiciary.
“You are not just a magistrate,” he emphasized.
“You are the human face of the entire judiciary.”
Three Principles for Judicial Service
The Chief Justice organized his remarks around what he described as three fundamental principles of judicial administration.
Know the Law
First, he urged the graduates to master the law governing their courts, understand their jurisdiction and faithfully apply legal procedures regardless of external pressure.
“Have the courage to apply the law, even when it is unpopular,” he charged.
“The law is not for friends. And if one is in government, it is not for your enemies. It is for justice.”
Protect the Court’s Dignity
Second, Gbeisay instructed magistrates to preserve both the dignity of the courts and the dignity of every person who appears before them.
He encouraged them to treat litigants respectfully, explain judicial decisions in language people can understand and avoid unnecessary delays.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” he reminded the graduates.
“And in a magisterial court, sometimes justice delayed destroys lives.”
Guard Your Integrity
His strongest warning focused on integrity.
According to the Chief Justice, magistrates will inevitably face pressure from influential people seeking favorable decisions.
“You will be tempted. Money will be offered. Pressure will come from big men. Pressure will come from family. Pressure will come from VIPs,” he warned.
“The law is your only mask.”
“Once you stain one judgment, you stain the whole judiciary of Liberia. Protect your name and protect this institution.”
A Challenge to the Judicial Institute
Beyond the graduates, Gbeisay also challenged the leadership of the James A. A. Pierre Judicial Institute to maintain the highest standards of judicial education.
“You are the engine room of the judiciary,” he told the Board of Governors, faculty and administrators.
“The quality of justice in Liberia for the next twenty years will depend on the quality of training you provide.”
He pledged to continue emphasizing discipline, ethics, competence and excellence throughout the judiciary.
‘You Have Been Commissioned’
Turning back to the graduates, Gbeisay stressed that they were leaving the Institute with responsibilities far greater than simply receiving certificates.
“You are not just graduating,” he declared.
“You have been commissioned.”
He reminded them that they would soon preside over courtrooms in communities across Liberia where their conduct would determine whether citizens trusted the justice system.
“Go with wisdom and serve with integrity.”
“Go and serve with courage.”
“Go and serve with passion.”
“Let your court be a place where the poor are safe, where the truth is heard and where the law is respected.”
Commends Boakai Administration
Before concluding, the Chief Justice publicly thanked President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Finance Minister Augustine Kpehe Ngafuan for supporting judicial training.
He disclosed that this year’s Professional Magistrate Training Program was the first in the Institute’s history to be financed predominantly by the Government of Liberia, with approximately 90 percent of the funding provided through government support.
“This is the very first time since the Institute was established that the Government of Liberia has sponsored the training—90 percent,” Gbeisay said.
The Chief Justice also announced encouraging news for the graduates, revealing that the Finance Minister had assured the judiciary that the newly commissioned magistrates would be immediately enrolled on the government payroll.
“And most importantly, the Minister has assured us that you graduates will immediately be enrolled on payroll,” he announced to applause from the audience.
With that assurance, Gbeisay formally welcomed the graduates to Liberia’s bench, urging them to carry the authority of the judiciary with honor, humility and unwavering fidelity to the rule of law.
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