The

JudicDecember 2018 ar Vol. 1. Issue: 4 y OVIA R MON U ILDING, B E J U STIC OF E T E MPL

THREAT TO THE

SEPARATION Justice Ministry says Critical reforms are needed to promote speedy trial he Justice Ministry has justice system is critical to the OF POWERS expressed the need for promotion of access to justice for reforms in ’s the ordinary Liberian people. criminal justice system Cllr. Dean said the Justice Ministry Call for Judicial oversight Tand amendment to some Liberian is currently in the process of laws to reflect current day realities. reviewing critical areas of the Justice Minister Cllr. Frank Criminal Procedure Law and body at Legislature threatens Musa Dean, Jr. suggested that in other laws they think are vital to addition to providing training enhancing access to justice and separation of powers doctrine for prosecutors and judges, rule of law. transformation in the criminal Responding to he constitution of Liberia. See Page 2 says it has heard of a call or The Chief Justice’s statements were proposal for the creation contained in the 12-page speech of what is to be called a delivered during the opening of the T‘judicial oversight committee’ within October 2018 Term of the Supreme the National Legislature. Court in on October 8, Liberia’s Chief Justice, His Honor 2018. Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. says what Also speaking on the matter, Liberia’s surprises him most about the proposal Attorney General agreed with the is the fact that the call is being made by Supreme Court, that the call for setting an unlikely source. up a ‘judicial oversight committee’ in According to Chief Justice Korkpor, the Legislature will undermine the the Judiciary will say more in due doctrine of Separation of Powers course about the establishment of such stipulated in the Constitution of body. Liberia. He however described the proposal as Article (3) of the Liberia Constitution having the propensity to undermine states in part that: Consistent with the the independence of the Judiciary and principles of Separation of Powers that it directly assails the doctrine of and checks and balance, no person Separation of Powers enshrined in the holding office in one See Page 2 Cllr. Frank Musa Dean, Jr. JudicThe ary | 2 Threat to the separation of powers of these branches shall hold office in law; and must be seen as fair, judicious or exercise any of the powers assigned and impartial.” to either of the other two branches Cllr Dean wants the judgments of except as otherwise provided in the Liberian courts carry the moral Constitution; and no person holding authority to demand compliance from office in one of the said branches party litigants. shall serve on any autonomous public Reflecting on the role of the Judiciary agency. in Liberia’s constitutional democracy, Although Cllr. Frank Musa Dean, Jr. the Justice Minister recalled the words told the Supreme Court, the public of former Chief Justice James A. A. and the community of lawyers that the Pierre, who, speaking for the Supreme move was dangerous to maintaining Court in the case, In re: C. Abayomi independence within the Judiciary, he Cassell, Cllr-at-Law, 14 LLR 391 said the latter must embark on what he (1960) made the following statement. calls ‘self-cleansing’. “The Judiciary is the anchor which “We must work assiduously at ‘self- holds stabilized government in policing and self-cleansing’ to restore balance; without it, vested interest the respect, faith and confidence of the might suffer, sacred rights might be common people in our Judiciary and violated constituted authority might be rule of law” he strongly suggested. challenged, and in fine, administrative Justice Minister Dean continued, “Our chaos could result.” courts’ judgments and actions must be grounded in and have the support of Justice Ministry says Critical reforms are needed to promote speedy trial the opening statement delivered by Plea bargaining is another aspect of Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. the Criminal Procedure Law that the during the opening of the October Justice Minister says needs reforming, 2018 term of the Supreme Court, Cllr. as a means of cutting back on lengthy Dean named amending the Criminal trials and the huge cost associated with Procedure Law to provide for longer them. jurisdictional sitting days as one of the The Attorney General’s statement reforms critically needed. defined plea bargain as a process in This, he said, would afford prosecutors which the prosecutors and lawyers of and judges in the leeward counties the accused are given the opportunity enough time to remain in their to negotiate and work out a plan for respective jurisdictions for a longer the accused to plead guilty to a lesser period to prosecute and hear many offence for a lesser sentence. cases as possible. The Justice Minister said the suggested Currently, the Judiciary Law at Section reforms, combined with training of 3.8.2 under Quarterly Sessions provides magistrates; city solicitors and other that the trial session of the circuit judicial officers will go a long way in courts runs for forty-two consecutive improving the Judiciary and enhance days, not including Sundays and legal access to justice. holidays unless sooner terminated In another development, the Ministry because all businesses before the courts of Justice has frowned on what it calls are disposed of before the expiration the growing trend of lack of respect of that period. and adherence to the rule of law in Another aspect of the Criminal Liberia. Procedure Law being reviewed is the Minister Dean noted the attitude has one relative to arrest and incarceration permeated the Liberian society to of party litigants by magistrates on the extent that it can be seen in every the strength of a complaint by a party aspect of our existence, ranging from without reference to the Ministry of traffic violations to rape, murder, Justice or the Liberia National Police. drug abuse, illegal strikes by workers, “It has been found that there is a illegal protests and misconduct by direct correlation between pre-trial government officials. detention, prison over-crowdedness “This is a dangerous trend and on the one hand, and imprisonment threatens the peace, security and gains on the orders of magistrates without made over the years” he lamented. any reference to the Justice Ministry Cllr. Dean disclosed that a meeting on the other hand,” the Attorney of various state actors and opinion General added. leaders to include civil society, religious According to the Cllr. Dean, the leaders, human rights institutions, and number of pre-trail detainees will law enforcement agencies will soon be Cllr. Frank Musa Dean, Jr. significantly reduce, if the law is convened to discuss the deteriorating must be respected. in our homes, in our communities, in amended so that no magistrate orders trend of lawlessness in Liberia. He advised that challenges relating to our offices and throughout the length the incarceration of an accused until The Dean of the Supreme Court Bar the legal basis and soundness of such and breadth of the Republic. Our the police investigates and the county described respect for the rule of law as legal instruments must be addressed laws must be applied and enforced, attorney or city solicitor makes an the bedrock of any functional judicial within the framework provided by law. no matter against whom,” the Justice assessment as to whether charges system and demanded that precepts “Respect for the rule of law must be felt Minister stressed. should be brought. and orders emanating from the courts JudicThe ary | 3

vacancy that existed at the 2nd Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Bassa County. ServeFrom the people The not political Courts parties Their deaths created the vacancies in the neighboring counties which are now being filled. On the other hand, the retirement of Judge …Weah urges commissioned judges Emery Paye and the late Judge Amymusu K. Jones in July and August 2018, both of the 8th and 5th Judicial Circuits of Nimba and Grand for the persons appointed as relieving judges, Cape Mount Counties respectively, created who is not a resident of the county in which the need for judges in the two counties just the Circuit Court to which he is appointed, is mentioned. located. Active practice of law, as used herein With the commissioning of the judges, the is not limited to the direct practice of law, but situation of a circuit judge presiding over includes judicial service, governmental service two courts at the same time will probably and the teaching of law.’’ come to an end at the First Judicial Circuit in Performing the commissioning ceremony, Montserrado County. President George Manneh admonished For instance, Judge Roosevelt Willie of the judges to dispense justice without fear Criminal Court A currently presides over or favor. He instead urged them to ensure Court D, the court responsible for handling honesty and fairness become the hallmark of armed robbery cases, because the judge of their decisions. Court D is presently filling the gap created by President Weah said those who administer the death of Judge Geevon Smith in River Cess justice must hold their loyalty to the Liberian County. Constitution and the statutes of land, and The , His Honor Francis not to a political establishment, a tribe or an S. Korkpor and Associate Justice Joseph Nagbe individual. were among several government officials who “You are called to serve the people of Liberia. attended the commissioning program which You are not called to serve anyone or political took place on Friday, the 23rd of November President george Manneh weah administing oath party or tribe or your pecuniary interest. I 2018, at the Foreign Ministry Office of the want you to know that Liberia is depending President on Capitol Hill. The , George Manneh Judicial Circuit, Grand Cape Mount County; on you to dispense justice with fairness and Meanwhile, at a well-attended ceremony held Weah, has commissioned three circuit Cllr. Roland Dahn, Resident Circuit Judge, honesty and without fear or favor.’’ at the Temple of Justice, TOJ, early December, judges he recently appointed following their 8th Judicial Circuit, Nimba County and Cllr. The Liberian leader promised that his the commissioned Judges were ceremoniously confirmation by the Liberian Senate in keeping Onesimus Banwon, Resident Circuit Judge, government will strongly support the Liberian seated. with law. 14th Judicial Circuit, River Cess County. Judiciary to enable it fast track cases as a way Their colleague, Cllr. Joe Barcon, who was President Weah appointed the judges on the 26 President Weah also commissioned Attorney of reducing the case-flooded dockets of court also appointed but did not form part of the October 2018 with the consent of the Liberian Patrick W. Williams as Debt Court Judge of system. presidential commissioning ceremonies due Senate before they were confirmed. Bong County, central Liberia. The nomination, appointment, confirmation to confirmation hitches, was commissioned by Section 3.6 of the Judiciary Law of Liberia According to section 3.7 of the Judiciary and commissioning of the judges come in the Chief Justice Korkpor, upon authorization of states “The President shall nominate and by Law, ‘’No person shall be appointed or hold wake of vacancies created as the result of death the Liberian leader. and with the consent of the Senate, appoint office as judge of a Circuit Court who has not and retirement of some judges in three circuits Judge Barcon now takes over the 2nd Judicial and commission (sixteen) Circuit Judges, been a citizen of Liberia for at least five years mentioned. Circuit in the port city of Buchanan, Grand (fourteen) of whom shall be resident judges, immediately previous to his appointment, In July of 2018, the 14th Judicial Circuit Court Bassa County. one for each circuit, and two of whom shall be who shall not have attained the age of twenty- in River Cess County lost it Resident Circuit Since the death Judge Benedict Holt about two relieving judges. They shall hold office during five years, who is not an attorney licensed Judge, His Honor Samuel Geevon Smith after years ago, the 2nd Judicial Circuit has been good behavior.” to practice and who has not engaged in the a period of illness. Similarly, the death of Judge without Resident Circuit Judge. The commissioned Circuit Judges include Cllr. active practice of law for at least five years Benedict Holt about two years ago, created the Ousman F. Felkai, Resident Circuit Judge, 5th next preceding his appointment, and except Chief Justice vows to keep Judiciary independent he Chief Justice of Liberia says the Supreme Court of will ensure that the Liberian Judiciary remains a neutral, non-aligned and non- Tpolitical branch of the Liberian Government, as is constitutionally required. Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. said the Supreme Court will be what he terms a “sanctuary to which the injured and distressed, irrespective of color, creed, and religion or political persuasion can seek justice.” Chief Justice Korkpor noted that his bench will continue to protect the liberty and freedom of all. “It should be clear by now, judging from our many positions and opinions that this Court favors no particular person or institution, including the Government. Of course, if the Government is in the right, we will not hesitate to say so; but the converse is also true. We will remain only on the side of the law”, he added. The statements were contained in his speech delivered at the opening of the October 2018 term of the Supreme Court of Liberia on the second Monday in October 2018, as provided for in the Judiciary Law of Liberia. Section 2.5 of the Judiciary Law of Liberia states: “The Supreme Court shall hold two terms annually, commencing on the Second Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. Monday of October and on the Second Monday of March and continuing as long as They shall be known as the October and Chief Justice Korkpor told hundreds of people See Page 4 the business before the Court may require. March Term respectively.” attending the ceremony, including senior JudicThe ary | 4 The Chief Justice vows to keep Judic ary Judiciary independent EDITORIAL Advancing Freedom of Information and the Right to Know The Judiciary Branch of the Liberian Government is the final arbiter of constitutional issues and exercises r, Sr. r kpo

final appellate jurisdiction in all cases whether o

emanating from courts of records, courts not of K S. records, administrative agencies and so forth. ancis Since its creation, ordinary Liberians have had difficulty understanding its functions.

In light of this difficulty, the Judiciary under the Fr e Ju stic administration of Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. C hi e f has established the Public Information Department tasked with the responsibility to inform and educate government officials, lawyers, diplomats However, Chief Justice Korkpor added that and the general public, that, party litigants the Judiciary was doing so in the midst of the public about the Liberian Judiciary. who have matters before the Supreme Court some daunting challenges, key of which is should not harbor apprehension of the the lack of adequate budgetary support to One of such mediums being the publication of a expected outcome of their cases, as their fate the Judiciary-a situation seriously hampering will be decided solely on the facts and the reform programs. quarterly newsletter, “The Judiciary.” The publications laws applicable. According to the Chief Justice, over the years will provide basic education on the workings of the The program coincided with the seating of and until now, the budget of the Judiciary has Associate Justice Joseph N. Nagbe on the remained extremely low compared to the other courts and events within the Judiciary, as well as Supreme Court as a replacement of Justice branches of government, even though courts provide basic legal education that will enlighten the Philip A. Z. Banks, III, one of Liberia’s most throughout the fifteen are public on the Rule of Law. “It should be clear by now, judging “The Judiciary” will also serve as a medium to create awareness that repositions the Judiciary Branch in a from our many positions and opinions way that maintains its dignity and respect, in addition that this Court favors no particular to the Judicial website (www.judiciary.gov.lr) which person or institution, including is one the most significant platforms for legal and academic research in Liberia. the Government. Of course, if the It is our goal that this newsletter will bring the Government is in the right, we will not administration of justice closer to the public and hesitate to say so; but the converse is promote understanding that will engender respect for the rule of law in Liberia. also true. We will remain only on the side of the law”, experienced jurists, who retired after attaining operating. READ THIS ONLINE @ the age of 70, in accordance with Article 72 “Circuit Courts, Specialized Courts and (b) of the Constitution of Liberia. Magistrates Courts continue to adjudicate President George Manneh Weah, Vice cases within their respective assigned areas www.judiciary.gov.lr president Jewel Howard-Taylor, Speaker and file returns in keeping with the mandates Bhofol Chambers, Pro Temp Albert Chie given them. These returns of Judges are and several other senior government officials compiled and analyzed to guide us in planning graced the occasion. and decision making and they are posted on Associate Justice Nagbe hails from the the Judiciary website (www.judiciary.gov.lr),” southeastern County of Sinoe and comes he pointed out. with a wealth of experience from the National Legislature, where he initially served as Chief Justice Korkpor said he was making representative and senator prior to his public the operational structure and functions appointment by the President to the Supreme of the Judiciary to make the argument that its Court. activities are so enormous and the need for Speaking further, the Chief Justice reported reform so critical that appropriate budgetary that the Liberian Judiciary remains fully allocations are required. functional across the country with several reform programs taking place, including The Chief Justice used the occasion to thank the implementation of existing projects local and international organizations, as well and programs of the Judiciary, as well as as friendly governments, that continue to help the attendance of local and international the Judiciary in its quest to uphold rule of law trainings and seminars by judicial actors to in Liberia. enhance their capacities. JudicThe ary | 5 Liberia National Bar Association Convention in Pictures JudicThe ary | 6 Supreme Court’s opening and seating of Justice Nagbe in October JudicThe ary | 7 Pres. George Manneh WEAH lights Christmas tree at Temple of Justice JudicThe ary | 8 Commissioning of new judges at Temple of Justice JudicThe ary | 9 Associate Justice Philip A. Z. Banks, III Retirement in Retrospect JudicThe ary | 10 jUDICIARY NEWS Don’t allow money make your decision! Cllr. Cherue warns prospective jurors

“Let me emphasized this to you. Do not allow money to make your decision. Keep your integrity. Do not change if you believe you have done the right thing”

Former Justice Minister Cllr. Fredrick Cherue

Former Justice Minister Cllr. Fredrick Cherue of some the challenges the system currently faces that the judiciary has ormer Justice Minister the prospective jurors that their the justice system will not be revised the old method to conform Cllr. Fredrick Cherue has integrity is highly depended upon, credible. to present day realities, by setting up cautioned jurors, lawyers, and as such, they must listen to the He said a juror must have a sense the Jury Management Office which judges and court workers to cases and weigh the facts from both of total fairness and justice. Cllr. is clothed with the authority to select serve their country with honesty. sides carefully before rendering a Cherue said though there are still F and train jurors prior to the opening Cllr. Cherue, speaking to prospective decision. some challenges within the system, of each court term. jurors at an orientation program If jurors follow on a case in a step all prospective jurors must come to The former Attorney General organized by the Jury Management by step manner as the facts are the service as men and women of described jury service as one of Office in Monrovia, called on other presented, the immediate past integrity. the highest duties of a citizen to stakeholders to help in maintaining Justice Minister said, they will know In the past, he noted, the process his or her country and extolled the the integrity of the Judiciary. who is guilty and who is not. of acquiring a juror was very organizers and the Supreme Court According to the former Justice Cllr. Cherue said a juror is similar to transparent, because it was done in for the initiative. Minister, jury service is not a money a police officer and as such they must a traditional way, and those selected He concluded with a praise for making service. “Let me emphasized be patriotic, so that their services did not know what they were going the Judiciary for affording him this to you” he said. “Do not allow can be appreciated. to do until they got to the courts. the opportunity to speak to the money to make your decision. Keep He cautioned that if they are not He however stressed that due to prospective jurors on what their role your integrity. Do not change if honest and wise enough they could the advancement of technology is in the Judiciary. you believe you have done the right send innocent people to prison. the system has become somehow thing” he added. The legal practitioner said if jurors corrupt. Cllr. Cherue at the same time told fail to perform their duty honorably, Cllr. Cherue claimed that it is because JudicThe ary | 11 jUDICIARY NEWS faces of other ordinary people, s/he develops faith in the system” the chief justice noted. He noted that legally speaking, court decisions are predominantly made by Promote integrity judges, but the presence of ordinary people serving as jurors or peers of the accused brings trust to the process and system. and be independent Chief Justice Korkpor urged prospective jurors who will be selected for service this term of court to be CJ cautions independent, promote integrity in their work and avoid being influenced by others. “You may sit on cases like rape, murder, prospective property dispute, damages and armed robbery and decide the fate of the accused people.” The Chief Justice has meanwhile jurors called on government ministries and agencies said to be refusing to send their employees for jury service to refrain from doing so. He said government Institutions Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. seeking to excuse their employees he Chief Justice of the randomly selected by law, from various that will promote trustworthiness in from jury service will be impeding and Supreme Court of Liberia ministries and agencies of government the Judiciary. obstructing the work of the Judiciary. has appealed to hundreds of to serve as jurors if selected by the According to Chief Justice Korkpor, if Chief Justice Korkpor was quick to prospective jurors to assist courts. selected, the jurors must see themselves however point out that there are legal the Judiciary make credible decisions Chief Justice Francis Korkpor, Sr. said as ambassadors of the courts and an grounds for excusing people from jury T service and the court will respect the when selected to decide cases at the jury service is an important venture integral part of the justice system of courts. and prospective jurors must take it as Liberia. rules governing those grounds. Prospective jurors are Liberians, such by rendering decisions in cases “If the ordinary man on trial sees the Fix bad spots on highways to avoid obstruction of justice says Judge Smith on those highways during the August impossible to appear in court to testify. and partly the November terms of And when witnesses don’t appear in court when said highways are more or court cases are not heard for the term less impassable due to thick and deep and unfortunately continued to the muds caused by heavy rains.” next term of court thereby delaying According the Circuit Judge whose and denying justice to the people, charge was delayed for a week because predominantly the poor,’’ Judge Smith terrible road conditions could not maintained. permit him open court on the statutory He stressed that the cause of the bad date, circuit judges, the poor masses highways to the counties named above travelling on commercial vehicles, which impedes the travel of circuit trucks and other vehicles transporting judges is a reason why the circuit courts goods and services to the improvised in those counties, usually do not open common people are usually stranded on time, especially during the last two in muds along the highways for days terms of court- August and November. or weeks thereby posing danger to The Circuit Judge was quick to note lives and properties. that it is not the whole stretch of our Judge Smith lamented that the highways that are impassable during His Honor George W. Smith situation even leads to the destruction the rainy season, but it is only a few and the few challenging areas on the roads. fixed against this dry season to avoid of vehicles transporting goods/ infinitesimal parts of the highways. In other words, the socio-economic the obstruction of the administration merchandise and other properties to Speaking further, Judge Smith benefit outweighs the money it takes of justice by circuit judges during the the masses of the counties affected recommended that government to repair just those few damaged spots August and November terms of Court” by bad roads and thereby damaging manage the few bad areas of the of our highways.” the learned judge continued. societal and economic lives of the poor highways to make them travelable Moreover in the charge, Judge Smith There are 12 cases on the docket on masses in those counties adversely during the rainy season, adding that it called on the Public works Minister, the court and Judge Smith has asked affected and harmfully challenging the takes planning, commitment, courage, also a lawyer, to ensure the named lawyers in the county to work with national economy. proactivity and what he called “a roads are worked on to help judges the court as it endeavors to clear The judge’s charge also notedMary-Brohaic approach” to remedy and other road users to affected parts those cases. His Appeal is in line with that the bad and impassable the perennial problem of the highways. of the country travel safely. rule #7 of the Rules of Court which highways negatively imparts on the “Even though managing the few “Minister Mabutu Nyepan, is states: “Clearing the trial docket by administration of justice. bad areas requires funding, the particularly hereby charged, as the disposition of cases, shall be the “In those counties adversely affected disadvantages attending the bad Counsellor-at-law, officer and arm foremost concern of the judge assigned by bad highways, material witnesses highways during the rainy season by of court, to have those few damaged to preside over the term.” find it difficult and sometimesfar outweigh the money it takes to fix areas of the above-named highways The Supreme Court has power to declare laws September - October 2018 Vol. 1. Issue: 3 unconstitutional if… Judiche Resident Circuit Judge tution nevertheless ar recognizes the dif- y of the 9th Judicial Circuit ficulties of crystalizing all of the rights Court in Gbarnga, Bong it seeks to protect and guarantee and County says the Liberian therefore vested in the Legislature, the TConstitution vests the Supreme Court power to make and pass laws, includ- of Liberia the power to declare uncon- ing laws creating subordinate courts. stitutional, any laws or actions that “To my mind, the framers of our con- contravene provisions of the organic stitution intended that laws made law of the land. and passed by the National Legisla- Judge J. Boima Kontoe, who currently ture would be in furtherance of the presides over Criminal Court C of the constitution, giving greater clarity to First Judicial Circuit in Montserrado its provisions and expanding on the County, said no laws whether statuto- rights, processes and procedures for ry or otherwise can violate provisions protecting and securing those rights. of the constitution, many of which are It is within this legal framework and core to the Democratic Governance of mechanism established by them, that Liberia as a nation-state. we find the bedrock of our democra- Judge Kontoe made the statement on cy’’ the learned judge maintained. the 12th of November 2018 when he Like the constitution protects rights as delivered the joint opening charge of mentioned above, Judge Kontoe also Judge J. Boima Kontoe Criminal Courts A, B, C, and D at the stated that in similar manner, the Leg- Temple of Justice in Monrovia. islature laid out in the Civil and Crim- instead of waiting for public defenders vice as an honor bestowed on you by Delivering the joint charge on behalf inal Procedure Codes, certain proce- and other lawyers to move the court the Government of Liberia to partici- of his colleagues at the commence- dures which circuit and subordinate for dismissal or indictment. pate in the Judiciary of your country. ment ceremonies of the last quarterly courts should follow while conducting He wants the action of perusal of cas- He urged the jurors, to whom he re- term of the criminal courts, the Circuit trials. es and their subsequent removal from ferred as the judges of the fact, to Judge described the Liberian Consti- He further explained that if any action court records extend to complaints be- search for nothing but the fact and tution as the bedrock of the country’s by any court runs contrary to the pro- fore magistrates and other subordinate truth in every case whether they serve national existence. cedures specified in the Criminal and courts so as to save the court time to as grand or petit jurors. “The organic document’’ he disclosed, Civil Procedure Codes, the laws appli- conduct trials speedily. Before declaring the courts open for “outlines in the more comprehensive cable to such proceedings may be chal- Additionally, the Judge Kontoe called business, he said “Let all of us as judg- and extensive manner sets of princi- lenged before the Honorable Supreme upon those summoned for jury service es, prosecutors, defense lawyers, jurors ples to protect persons charged with Court of Liberia by the aggrieved par- during this term of Court, to disabuse and court staff extend our vision be- the commission of crimes. The Con- ties. their minds of the notion that they yond the distant horizon and conduct stitution also establishes an independ- Judge Kontoe used the occasion to have come to make money. Although, ourselves in ways and manners that ent court system with clearly defined call on the prosecution to peruse the you, when selected after examination, will lead to reduction of pretrial de- perimeters, within which, the court in dockets of the Criminal Assizes and will serve as jurors and receive hon- tainees in our prisons thereby making protecting the rights of citizens and Nolle Prosequoi (drop) cases lacking orarium at the end of the term, you the Judiciary responsive to the need of residents of Liberia should operate.’’ sufficient evidence for prosecution should view the summons of jury ser- our society.’’ According to Judge Kontoe, the consti- and make the necessary application Fix bad spots on highways to avoid obstruction of justice says Judge Smith he Resident Circuit Judge charge, mentioned the difficulties of the 15th Judicial Circuit circuit judges, poor rural masses and Court in River Gee County other travelers encountered to get to has suggested one key way, counties with very bad road conditions The thinks, the Liberian Government to perform their national duties to the could make its pro poor agenda country. felt by the masses in counties with “During the February and May terms terrible road conditions. of court,” he said “the highway from His Honor George W. Smith, who Ganta to Zwedru through River Gee defines “pro-poor agenda” as a and Pleebo, Maryland Counties; the government program whereby the highway from Buchannan to River administration proactively seeks the Cess County through Sinoe and welfare of the vulnerable masses, Grand Kru Counties; the highway says from the prospective of the from Tubmanburg to Gbarpolu administration of justice, a short County; and the Voinjama highway, term fixing of the highways will though very bad, these highways greatly ease the social and economic are less difficult to travel through as pressures on rural people. compared to travelling His Honor George W. Smith Judge Smith, in his November 2018 See Page 2 “The Judiciary” is published by Public Information Department of the Liberian Judiciary at the Temple of Justice, on Capitol Hill, Monrovia, Liberia. Web: www.judiciary.gov.lr | Email: [email protected]/pio.judiciary.gov.lr | Contacts: Attorney Darryl Ambrose Nmah, Sr. Director of Public Information/Managing Editor, 0886458993 Zito F. Slebah, Deputy Director, Public Information Department/Chief Editor, 0776748370 Bruce S. B. Boweh, Public Information Officer for Media Relations/ Editor, 0777200841N aiye Kwiah-Wiaplah, Public Information Assistant Officer for Web management /News Editor, 0775656651 Romeo Quoi, Layout Artist/Web Manager, 0880811238 Kortee Smith, Compilation Clerk, 0777940758