In a strongly address marking the observance of Law Day, former Chief Justice, Cllr. Gloria Musu Scott, issued a sharp public rebuke to the President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), criticizing his recent statement condemning a ruling of the Supreme Court.
The former Chief Justice, who delivered the keynote address during the International Law Day ceremony held at the Ministerial Complex in Congotown, underscored mounting concerns within the legal community about the perceived politicization of the Bar and its role in defending the integrity of the judiciary.
Cllr. Scott described the LNBA President’s statement as inappropriate and deeply troubling, particularly given the Bar’s responsibility to uphold and defend the judiciary.
“With all due respect,” she stated, “such a statement, particularly from the sitting President of the Liberia National Bar Association, is not only inappropriate but deeply troubling.”
She emphasized that the LNBA, as the professional body tasked with preserving the ethics and integrity of the legal profession, must never be seen as undermining the authority or finality of the Supreme Court Liberia’s highest judicial body.
According to Cllr. Scott, such public dissent from the Bar’s leadership not only risks eroding public confidence in the judiciary but also threatens the foundational principles of constitutional governance and the rule of law.
Invoking a Liberian proverb, she said, “You cannot dress the devil in private and undress it in public,” a pointed metaphor suggesting hypocrisy in the Bar’s stance—privately affirming the Court’s authority while publicly discrediting it when its rulings prove unpopular.
She reiterated the Supreme Court’s constitutional role as the final interpreter of the law, stating, “The Constitution does not speak for itself—the Court speaks on its behalf. And we, as lawyers, are the mouthpiece of the law.”
In a particularly direct challenge, the former Chief Justice questioned the timing and method of the LNBA President’s public statement:
“Why was this concern not raised through the proper legal or consultative channels before the ruling was handed down?” she asked. “Why speak now, in public, when the process has concluded?”
Scott warned that if the Bar permits itself to be drawn into partisan politics or public sentiment, it risks compromising its independence and transforming from a professional body into a political entity a shift she said the framers of Liberia’s legal system deliberately sought to prevent.
She concluded her remarks with a firm call for introspection and unity within the legal profession: “Let us lead by example not in division, but in unity under the rule of law.”
Cllr. Scott’s statement has since sparked considerable debate across Liberia’s legal and civic communities, raising broader questions about the Bar Association’s role in a democratic society and the ethical boundaries of legal leadership.
As the legal fraternity commemorates Law Day, a day dedicated to reaffirming the principles of justice and the rule of law including accountability and transparency, former Justice Scott’s remarks serve as a timely and sobering reminder of the critical balance between free expression and institutional respect, especially within the nation’s highest legal institutions.
For his part, the President of the LNBA said the Law Day theme for 2025 is: “Justice, Accountability, and Inclusion: Building a Stronger Liberia Under the Rule of Law.”
“Law Day offers us the opportunity not only to celebrate our legal heritage but also to reflect soberly on the current state of justice in Liberia,” Cllr. Bornor Varmah, President of LNBA said.
Cllr. Varmah narrated that the legal profession must not be passive in the face of societal challenges lawyers, must be bold in defending the Constitution, courageous in speaking truth to power, and committed to protecting the rights of all, especially the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized.
He said the LNBA recognizes that the legitimacy of any democratic society rests on the credibility and accessibility of its justice system.
Cllr. Varmah added that Access to Justice is intensifying efforts to expand legal aid services, particularly in underserved communities; adding: “We call upon government and development partners to support sustainable legal aid frameworks.
He indicated that the LNBA stands firm in supporting mechanisms that promote truth-telling, redress for victims, and the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court, consistent with our obligations under national and international law.
He further stated that they are expanding training programs for lawyers, ensuring that members of the Bar remain competent, ethical, and attuned to evolving legal standards.
“The LNBA is committed to deepening civic understanding of legal rights and responsibilities, particularly among youth and grassroots communities. As we commemorate Law Day, let us recommit ourselves as legal professionals and citizens to the higher ideals of service, integrity, and justice.
“Let us also remember that democracy is not merely about elections — it is about institutions, it is about accountability, and above all, it is about Justice”.
The recent appointment of unlicensed individuals as City Solicitors by the Ministry of Justice, coupled with some Magistrates and Judges allowance of non-lawyers to practice in courts of Liberia is unacceptable.
These actions constitute a clear case of aiding and abetting the unauthorized practice of law and directly violate Title 17 of the Judiciary Law and Rule 5 of the Rules of Court. Such practices not only undermine the integrity and professionalism of our justice system but also erode public confidence in the rule of law.
He said allowing unqualified individuals to occupy positions reserved for licensed legal professionals diminishes the value of legal training and lowers the standards of legal service delivery. Employing these young legal professionals will not only address unemployment among new graduates but also strengthen the quality and credibility of legal representation and adjudication across the country.
