celebrations in Monrovia. According to the Vice President, she strongly supports the calls of the April - June 2019 Vol. 1 Issue 6 President of Bar Association encouraging lawyers, April - June 2019 Vol. 1 Issue 6 government officials and VP Howard-Taylor supports LNBA’s Liberians to uphold the rule of law for the maintenance of call for respect for rule of law peace and democratic growth. Stand for the truth and do the right thing VP Howard-Taylor urged the leadership of the LNBA to continuously scrutinize how Judge Clinton-Johnson Liberia’s fledgling democracy opening ceremony, Judge is growing and continue to Clinton-Johnson said judges, provide its opinion on critical lawyers, and court workers owe national issues. it to the country to do something “Even if you are not called, about the ills seen in the society. I think it is important with Judge Clinton-Johnson called on this group of luminaries, to every Liberian to look at Liberia come up with different ways and see the responsibility each of looking at the laws that we and every one has towards the create.” country. She described the Liberian The Resident Circuit Judge of National Bar Association Criminal Court E, now assigned as a critical body that must to the Civil Law Court for this commit to helping the nation Term of Court, noted that it was VICE PRESIDENT JEWEL HOWARD-TAYLOR (LEFT) SPEAKING stay the course by helping about time for the Judiciary to it look at the other side of forget about the other branches ice President Jewell Howard- to ensure that it respects and JUDGE CEAINEH CLINTON-JOHNSON Taylor has said she believes upholds the interests of those who laws passed, expressing the of government and focus on that the Liberian National are in the profession, as was seen hope that the task will not be itself. ivil Law courts A and B of days (42) per term. VBar Association, LNBA, is working by the attendance of the Law Day overwhelming for SEE PAGE 11 “We are being perceived as being the Sixth Judicial Circuit, Presiding over Annex A and B this corrupt and it is not just the Montserrado County, June 2019 term are Judge Yamie perception in the public. There Sinoe County Debt Court Judge Commissioned at the Temple of Justice Quiqui Gbeisay and Judge Ceaineh is also an impression that we are hief Justice Francis Korkpor must execute his duty impartially. describing him as a man of in Monrovia have opened to the Clinton-Johnson, respectively. morals and integrity; also C being interfered with. “ has termed the service Quoting a familiar African allegory, public for their June 2019 Term. Delivering the charge for both Civil Judge Clinton-Johnson called of a judge as one that Chief Justice Korkpor said “If you cautioning the judge to The court, by law, sits for forty two Law Courts “A’’ & “B” at the formal requires much attention. cannot withstand the heat in the serve without fear of favor, on lawyers, judges, SEE PAGE 2 C“Be focused, because as a judge, kitchen, don’t go there;” which can as he was going to serve his you need to do your work. You be interpreted as, if you do not want own people, among whom Former Solicitor General calls for continued collaboration in the justice sector will find hurdles, impediments,people to criticize and talk about are his family and friends. iberia’s former Solicitor General Cllr. criticisms and so forth.” you, do not serve in public office. The Chief Justice referenced Darku Mulbah says empowering the Making remarks at the ceremony He said there are stages or levels that an the blind goddess with the components of the Criminal Justice Sys- marking the seating of the Debt individual must pass before ascending scale of equilibrium and the tem will enable Liberia deal with the Court Judge of the Third Judicial to the judgeship of a country. sword in her hands as the Lchallenges in the rule of law sector. Circuit Sinoe County Henry Nagbe, The stages include nomination,guide Judge Nagbe must Cllr. Mulbah noted that investing in the Police, held at the Temple of Justice in appointment, confirmationfollow; admonishing him to the Judiciary and the Bureau of Corrections and Monrovia, the Liberian Chief and seating, adding that he was recuse himself if the need providing the needed logistical support to each Justice said, the fundamental thing pleased that Judge Nagbe had gone arises, noting that if the judge component in the Justice sector will enhance that guides a judge is the law. through the various levels and was does well he will be lauded their joint ability to perform the tasks legally as- Chief Justice Korkpor urged preferred as the best candidate. but, if he went contrary to the signed them. Judge Nagbe to ignore criticisms He recounted his professional expected norms, he would Cllr. Mulbah’s statements were contained in his be reprimanded. and talks from the public, if he relationship with Judge Nagbe, FORMER SOLICITOR GENERAL CLLR. DARKU MULBAH STANDING response to the charge of Circuit Judg SEE PAGE 2 Chief SEE PAGE 11 2 15 Stand for the truth and do the right thing Just report the truth …CJ urges judicial reporters or live. Let us all ask ourselves and reflect on how we of Internews Tawedzegwa Musitini to give people information, but in- praised the Judiciary and USAID have violated our oath and let us do the right thing.” said his institution is committed formation that is true, information through Internews, for the work- The judge claimed that some lawyers provide fake to continuous and progressive col- that is objective and information shop and appealed for further evidence before the court and cause judges to rule laborations with all stakeholders that is progressive for the good of training opportunities to enhance based on those evidences thereby causing the public when it comes to media develop- the people and the Country. the capacity of Judicial Reporters. to have doubts in the judicial system. ment in Liberia. Other speakers included the pres- Mr. Davis also appealed to the She urged lawyers to stand for the truth and do the Mr. Musitini said an informed so- ident of the Association of Judicial Judiciary, Internews and other right thing, adding that by doing so it will show that ciety is a progressive society and Reporters and a participant of the well-meaning organizations to as- ‘we are ready to move the country ahead.’ that training is a continuous de- workshop Abednego Davis and sist the association with comput- In her charge, Judge Clinton-Johnson noted that the velopment which is part of every Joyclyn Weah, respectively. ers, printers, legal dictionary and issue of land is prevailing amongst the cases assigned profession. Ms. Weah said she learned from law books, to ease their work. and court workers not to just sit there and allow fake at the Civil Law Court and she used the opportunity “Because of the training and col- the workshop that development He described judicial reporters news and information to be the order of the day, but to call on the government to do something about land laboration, more and more im- comes when a vibrant judiciary ex- who underwent the training as instead, everyone needs to do something about it by disputes in the country. provement will be seen in the way ists, and justice is dispensed fairly, “small lawyers” and that they real- investigating further. She then reminded lawyers that their duty is to judicial issues are reported” the regardless of who’s involved and ly need the materials listed above Judge Clinton-Johnson disclosed that they are living represent their clients and not to win cases as being acting Internews boss maintained. what their positions are. to work as “small lawyers,” even in an era where fake news and information is the perceived by many. He noted, journalists have the right Abednego Davis for his part, though they are journalists. order of the day, and we will all be held responsible In conclusion, Judge Clinton-Johnson warned that to do the right thing. “We took an oath to not make she and her colleague Judge Gbeisay, will be sober and falsehood, have we forgotten that?” Judge Clinton- will carry out their judgments without any influence, noting that the Supreme Court will aid them in the VP Howard-Taylor supports LNBA’s call for respect for rule of law Johnson asked. the leadership of the LNBA, led by which was passed by the 53rd law ensures that no one has more performance of their duty. Judge Clinton-Johnson said the Judiciary is one of the Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe. Legislature VP Howard –Taylor privilege than any other person Buttressing his colleague in a brief remark, Judge most important branches of government, yet judicial According to VP Howard- encourages the Liberian National and that’s where the Liberian Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay warned lawyers to be time officers and officials sit and allow influential people to Taylor, the Liberian National Bar Bar Association to consider National Bar Association comes conscious and reemphasized that he will remain rigid come and manipulate them; knowing that it is wrong, Association is supposed to put in amending the document, because in and ensure the adherence of and consistent with the law in exercising his duty. but they do, because we allow them to. place an environment where the it is not a perfect instrument. everyone to national justice, to He later fined magistrates and assistant magistrates “When you knowingly do the wrong thing you fail legal exchange of ideas is carried “Whatever the shortfalls are, I peaceful living and to fairness. who were absent from the court’s opening US $ 100 your conscience. We decide wrong and right and out; where people come from think we can amend it. We are “I think the LNBA in these critical and $50 respectively. send people to jail, we determine whether people die different sides to discuss some of looking forward to the creation times cannot remain silent on the the critical national issues affecting of the Office of the Ombudsman. critical national issues. Its opinion Former Solicitor General calls for continued collaboration in the justice sector Liberia. Because in the end who do you must be made known. Discussions es presiding over the May A.D. 2019 term of crimi- relationship with the judiciary, as the quest to improve “I look forward to seeing such report the cases to? That office has must be held at citadels of learning, nal courts of the First Judicial Circuit in Montserrado Liberia’s rule of law status can only be realized if the a robust engagement because, not yet been created and it will so that we learn and we grow as we County. justice sector actors work as they are expected by law. again it will bring to the table be a political tussle. But I believe move forward.” To tackle the challenges of the justice sector adequate- “If a judge is not looking at a particular person to fa- other opinions as we continue to that the office of the ombudsman The Vice President made the ly, the former chief prosecutor suggested that, every vor in any matter, if jurors sitting on a matter would move our country and democracy is a critical office that must be remarks at this year’s Law Day actor in the three into one system must play his role not favor any party, if the lawyers will not employ any forward” the vice president noted. established as per the law.” Celebration in Monrovia on May well because the responsibility is on the shoulder of delay tactics that will prolong and sometimes deny the Touching on the Code of Conduct, The Vice President said the rule of 4, 2019. each and every actor in the system. case from reaching a logical conclusion, then indeed, “If the police are able to conduct free and fair inves- we will have our people to have confidence in the sys- tigation and we can have fair trials before the courts, tem.” Sinoe County Debt Court Judge Commissioned then our people will have no reason to engage in mob Cllr. Mulbah urged actors in the justice system to Nagbe to stay clear of politics and Judiciary to Sinoe County.” The Debt Court Judge, promised to violence or take the law into their hands.” work collaboratively for the benefit of every individu- be guided by the law even if it Responding, the honoree, Judge work to promote the image of the involves himself (Chief Justice) Nagbe thanked President George judiciary through his judgments Cllr. Mulbah also said, if the last component of jus- al who will make use of the criminal justice system as or his relatives, adding that the M. Weah and Chief Justice Francis despite the fact that it is humanly tice, the Bureau of Corrections is empowered to pro- a means of finding redress to their problems and the judge would be building the Korkpor, Sr. for his preferment. impossible to render judgment vide the needy skills to persons who will go contrary image of the Liberian government at large. image of the Judiciary by doing so. Judge Nagbe promised to adhere that pleases all parties in a case. to the law and would now come to be reformed by “We came together as actors of the justice system, the “Whatever you do will tell to the canons that govern the Judge Nagbe has meanwhile given the kind of programs that will be introduced to them, judiciary and the executive headed by the ministry on the Judiciary as a whole; Judiciary and carry out the his word to do his best by working while they serve their prison sentence, they will come of justice. We said we wanted to engage and address I am commissioning you to tasks he has been called to, extra hours, noting that the only out to be new persons. Speaking further Cllr. Mulbah most of the problems we had in the system. We all be an ambassador for the with all his power and ability. guide to man is his conscience. promised the Justice Ministry’s continuous working agreed to work together and we saw each SEE PAGE 3 14 3 Justice Minister wants the rights of common people protected Former Solicitor General calls for continued The former Resident Civil Law for hunting he cut off his finger. and I would have been used for the collaboration in the justice sector Court Judge also promised He then started to feel bad and his sacrifice in your stead.” one not looking at where with insufficient number to always uphold the cordial servant told him that everything Associate Justice Kaba was the we were from. We are all of public defenders to ad- relationship he has always had works for the good. Seeing his Resident Judge of the Civil Law EDITORIAL part of the government equately cover the courts with lawyers and other judges finger and feeling the pain, he Court of the Sixth Judicial Circuit and whatever goes wrong across the country, there while serving at the circuit court got furious and put the servant in Montserrado County before The Judiciary Branch of the Liberian Government reflects on the entire gov- was no way Liberia could level. in prison, and left for hunting he was nominated, appointed, is the final arbiter of constitutional issues and ernment.” enhance access to justice Justice Kaba said, at the beginning without the servant. While he was confirmed and commissioned to exercises final appellate jurisdiction in all cases According to Cllr. Mul- and promote the rule of of his life’s career, he learnt that the out hunting, he came across some serve as Associate Justice at the whether emanating from courts of records, courts bah the collaboration law in the rural parts of science of moderation is a good savages who caught him to use Supreme Court of Liberia. not of records, administrative agencies and so paid off because the sys- Liberia. tool to work with and he has used him as a sacrifice, but due to the Associate Justice Kaba is the only forth. tem was able to hear the He admonished magis- it since then. loss of his finger he was spared, Justice on the current bench who Since its creation, ordinary Liberians have had highest number of cases trates to work on the is- He described his preferment to the since he was not considered a had real practical experience as a difficulty understanding its functions. ever and deal with the sue of over crowdedness Supreme Court Bench as a sign of whole human. judge in a lower court before being In light of this difficulty, the Judiciary under the highest number of issues in the various prisons destiny, maintaining that nothing When he returned, he went straight appointed to the high court. administration of Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, ever in its recent history. by hearing cases before happens by mistake even though to the prison and freed his servant. He brings that wealth of experience Sr. has established the Public Information “I believe it wouldn’t have sending people to jail. most times when an unfavorable Then he asked his servant, why that spans over 20 years of work Department tasked with the responsibility to happened if we had not “To the court of first in- thing happens, people call it bad did you say everything works for within the Judiciary including inform and educate the public about the Liberian agreed to work together. stance, overcrowding is luck. good when I put you in prison for his short stay at the ECOWAS Judiciary. I call on all of us again to still an issue. We should Supporting his belief in destiny, advising me? The servant replied, Community Court of Justice One of such mediums being the publication of a come together to be able not just jail a person base Justice Kaba narrated the following indeed everything works for good completing the term of Justice quarterly newsletter, “The Judiciary.” The to make progress and on hearsay, instead, let us anecdote about a king who was a because if you had not put me in Wilkins Wright. publications will provide basic education on the address those issues that listen to the case before hunter. “One day while preparing prison, I would have followed you workings of the courts and events within the the system is being faced going ahead to jail a per- Judiciary, as well as provide basic legal education with, so that Liberia can s on .” We are all advocates of the truth, Judge Mappy Morgan tells Journalists that will enlighten the public on the Rule of Law. be a better place,” Cllr. Cllr. Flomo also cau- authorized to speak to the press of the judiciary and sustainable Had that been so, the Chief Justice “The Judiciary” will also serve as a medium to Mulbah appealed. tioned that it is better to through interviews, especially about development, himself would not have had a press create awareness that repositions the Judiciary Also making remarks deal with cases accord- ongoing cases. Judge Mappy Morgan praised the team downstairs that says seek out Branch in a way that maintains its dignity and at the program, the Co- ing to their importance She promised to relay the message Chief Justice for opening an office at the truth, search! Have the lawyers, respect, in addition to the Judicial website (www. ordinator of the Public to avoid putting strain about the outcome of the training the Judiciary for reporters covering have the judges be transparent. judiciary.gov.lr) which is one the most significant Defense Program Cllr. on the justice system to the leadership of National the courts as well as creating the Have the lawyers, have the judges platforms for legal and academic research in James C. R. Flomo called and called for dialogue Association of Trial Judges of Judicial Information Division be ethical. Keep them on their toes.” Liberia. on the Judiciary to im- amongst justice actors as Liberia, NATJL. which has responsibility to help The participants described It is our goal that this newsletter will bring the prove on the number of a way of promoting col- “I will go back and tell my own disseminate information to the the training as cardinal to the administration of justice closer to the public and public defenders, espe- laboration in the quest president, Willie, that you judicial public about the workings of the enhancement of their reportorial promote understanding that will engender respect cially in rural areas. for rule of law and justice reporters and some of you, who are entire Judicial System. duties and lauded the Judiciary, for the rule of law in Liberia. Cllr. Flomo warned that in Liberia. here, are very well prepared now, Spotlighting the training, Judge Internews and USAID for the so that when we say something is Mappy Morgan said the discussions organizing such training. subjudice, you know what we mean. were robust, very spirited and They appealed to the Judiciary We are all advocates of the truth, Judge Mappy Morgan If we say the matter is continued highlighted The Role of theto request further trainings from that means we are not going any Judiciary in the Context of the Internews, USAID and other tells Journalists further, it’s just adjourned.” Rule of Law, Legal Jargons, the partners for the membership of the he Chief Judge of said though judges do not You guys know the terminologies meaning of Contempt. The learned Association of Judicial Reporters the Commercial normally grant interviews now, she said, and I hope that you judge noted that contempt was not as a way of further enhancing Court of Liberia to journalists when Tat the Temple of Justice requested, it does not will begin to work on furthering something that was just thrown their capabilities to ethically and your knowledge.” around, rather it should be used professionally cover events at the in Monrovia says judges, mean that they (judges) The weeklong training for Judicial judiciously, that even the personal Judiciary. lawyers and media are hiding something Reporters focused on improving dignity of judges is subordinated to Some 30 journalists benefitted practitioners are not from the journalists or the understanding of the reporters liberty or freedom of an individual. from the workshop facilitated by adversaries; instead they they are adversaries. JUDGE MAPPY MORGAN on how to report ethically and “So we are cautioned as judges not lawyers, judges and senior media are all advocates of the Speaking on behalf of the NATJL, at the end of a Mappy Morgan stressed professionally on the Judiciary to to just hold people in contempt practitioners and sponsored by truth. National Association of weeklong training for that judges are not promote public understanding because they have expressed an idea. USAID through Internews. Judge Eva Mappy Morgan Trial Judges of Liberia, judicial reporters, Judge traditionally SEE PAGE 10 4 13 Former Chief Justice calls for review of 2014 Code of Conduct the Ombudsman in the 2014 Code She described the above section of that was why the conversation of Conduct. the LACC law as a perfect attempt initiated by the LNBA on the code Recorded in Part V Section to account for the code of conduct, of conduct is commendable and 5.2 (l) of the LACC statute, the legislated (6) six years later with needs to continue hereafter in the COURT COST, FEES AND FINES THE TRUE ESSENCE learned Liberian jurist claimed, no repealer and no reference to national discourse. ees being paid for the reg- they reflect current day realities. action or proceeding. the LACC statute listed as one of the LACC statute, in the absence The former Chief Justice of the istration and processing Another reason for the Supreme The Section also charges Ten Unit- the functions of the commission, of legislation as mandated by the Supreme Court of Liberia spoke of cases at various courts Court’s standardization decision ed States Dollars (US$10.00) for leading the implementation of Constitution. on the theme: Implementation of within the Republic of Li- of the fees charged for taking civ- Issuing of summons and Issuing a Liberia’s anticorruption strategy In view of the points mentioned the 2014 Code of Conduct Act, its Fberia, were not introduced by the il matters to court was to ensure citation or Order to show cause in including the code of conduct for supra, former Chief Justice Scott implication and challenges. current Bench of the High Court. that the amount charged was not lieu thereof, in summary proceed- public servants. submitted to her colleagues, Court cost, fees and fines have left to the discretion of the judges ing. been an integral part of our juris- and magistrates, since they were Section 7.9 in the Judiciary Law Justice Minister wants the rights of common people protected prudence from the inception of the charging varying amounts for the published June 20, 1972 and ap- iberia’s Minister of Justice According to the Justice Liberia Judiciary in 1847; and are registration of cases. proved May 10, 1972 titled FEES, and Attorney General, Cllr. Minister, Justice Kaba’s only applicable to civil cases and Even though the registration of states that: “Except where a greater Frank Musa Dean has said ascendency to the Lthat Liberia as a country needs level of the Supreme not criminal cases (except in rare civil cases was standardized in the fee is allowed by another statute for instances of fines), in which the past, during the civil unrest in the the same service, party requiring justices, judges and lawyers who Court Bench, from the Republic of Liberia represents the country, that standard was broken services in a civil action in a magis- will jealously protect the rights circuit is a milestone interests of the victims of crimes and amounts to be paid by party terial court shall pay the following of the common people without that should be seen as against the perpetrators of crimi- litigants were left to the discretion fees for the services herein speci- fear or favor. a motivation to other nal offences and they are guarded of individual judges and magis- fied, payable in advance.” “At the entrance of the Temple judges and lawyers in by the Judiciary law of Liberia. trates. With the standardization and pub- of Justice there is a statue of the the Judiciary, noting lady of justice that is blindfolded that the position of On December 7, 2015, the Su- The Revised Schedule of Court lication of the fees it is expected Other accomplishments of Justice with a balanced scale in her justice is reserved for a deserving preme Court, in collaboration with Costs, Fees and Fines promulgat- that no magistrate or judge will Kaba within the Judiciary the Chief hand, which symbolizes how few. the Liberian National Bar Associa- ed by the Supreme Court, which overcharge any party litigant an Justice mentioned were service on justicesshould be dispensed.” He congratulated Associate Justice tion and in line with Section 23.6.1 amends amounts in Section 7.9 amount not established by law. the Supreme Court Bench during Cllr. Dean warned that decisions Kaba and wished him God’s of the Financial Autonomy Act of of the Judiciary Law titled Fees in That will be a violation of the rule the Transitional regime and his emanating from the courts guidance in performing his new February 16, 2006, promulgated Magisterial Courts, charges Ten on the registration of cases and over twenty (20) years of service across the country should be un- role on the Supreme Court Bench and standardize the court costs, United States Dollars (US$10.00) punishment could be meted out to at the Circuit Court level amongst political and free from biases if and called on judges throughout fees and fines of the courts so that for the Filing of first paper in any violators. others. they should gain the respect and Liberia to endeavor to pursue It is also the law that all such court In response to the remarks trust of the Liberian people and justice as a way of strengthening the cost, fees and fines MUST be paid made at the ceremonies Justice foreign nationals within Liberia’s rule of law and promoting access to directly into the Judiciary accounts Kaba pledged to maintain his Judge Gbeneweleh calls territorial confines. justice and democracy. provided, or directly into govern- independence irrespective of The Justice Minister, who is also Speaking earlier at the ceremonies, ment revenue account and ONLY tribal and religious affiliations and Dean of the Supreme Court Bar, Liberia’s Chief Justice, His Honor for respect for rule of law flag receipts or deposit slips be pre- promised to continue his respect made the statements at programs Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. on behalf of sented to the court concerned. for the rule of law even at the level marking the seating of Associate his colleagues, welcomed Associate It is a universal standard that of the Supreme Court. Justice Yussif D. Kaba on the Justice Yussif D. Kaba to the courts require payments for civil Justice Kaba who has been very Bench of the Supreme Court of Supreme Court Bench, expressing matters which are usually matters passionate about an independent Liberia, in the chambers of the delight in his preferment by the that involve one individual against and impartial Judiciary, said in High Court at the Temple of Liberian leader. another, groups of individuals and a recent charge, that the lack of Justice in Monrovia. Chief Justice Korkpor detailed breach of contracts, divorce, per- independence in the judiciary Cllr. Dean Praised President a number of the honoree’s sonal injury cases, property mat- breeds partiality which results in George Manneh Weah for the achievements including his term ters amongst several others. miscarriage of justice; and any preferment of Associate Justice at the ECOWAS Community The full and revised schedule of judicial institution lacking this Kaba to fill the vacancy created Court Justice in Nigeria, when he Court Cost, Fees and Fines is pub- level of independence, will not only as a result of the impeachment completed the term of Liberia’s circuit judge has said that all Liberian Citizens, including lished on the Judiciary website at fail to win the trust and confidence of Associate Justice Kabineh M. representative on the court of government officials, are subject to the law and are under the www.judiciary.gov.lr of the governed, but also, will serve equal protection of law. Ja’neh by the Liberian Legislature. Justice Micah Wilkins Wright. A SEE PAGE 5 as a disincentive to SEE PAGE 10 12 5 Former Chief Justice calls for review of 2014 Code of Conduct Judge Gbeneweleh calls for respect for rule of law ormer Chief Justice of Liberia, work. And that the Legislature shall Scott, the listed depositories have Judge Peter W. Gbeneweleh three components of our system, judges will always remain resolute Her Honor Gloria Musu prescribe a Code of Conduct for no obligation to present copies believes that Liberians must always it is incumbent upon government and committed in the discharge of Scott, has recommended a public officials setting out offences of the receipts of declared assets uphold and respect the Rule of to provide adequate budgetary their judicial functions and duties Fcomplete and thorough review of and penalties for violations.” and interests to the Office of the Law, which is one of the keys for appropriation to the Judiciary and effectively and efficiently. the 2014 Code of Conduct and the Though Part X of the Code of Ombudsman to evidence that a sustainable peace, security and the Ministry of Justice to provide He reminded judges and statutes of all integrity institutions Conduct covers asset declaration said declaration of asset has been national development in Liberia. the basic logistical supports that magistrates that they are agents of and agencies established by the and registration of personal accordingly deposited. The resident circuit judge of the will enable our justice sector to peace and called on them to always government of Liberia. interests, former Chief Justice Scott It took the Legislature 28 years 12th Judicial Circuit of Grand Kru, perform its constitutional and discharge their judicial duties with lamented that it to legislate the Code of Conduct assigned at Criminal Court C, made statutory duties and responsibilities a high level of neutrality, fairness, glaringly lacks after it was mandated by the 1986 the statements while delivering the in Liberia.” impartiality, transparency and the constitutional Constitution, yet the public has no joint charge of Criminal Courts Judge Gbeneweleh used the joint professionalism, so as to restore intent to prevent information whatsoever about the of the First Judicial Circuit in charge to appeal to the Legislative public confidence in the Judicial and monitor location, function and operation Montserrado County, during the and Executive Branches of System. corruption and of the Ombudsman Office opening of the May A.D. 2019 term Government to provide adequate “As we discharge our duties as the questionable created by the code, meaning the of court. budgetary appropriation to the judges, magistrates and jurors,” acquisition of implementation of provisions of Criminal Court “C” according to Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice Judge Gbeneweleh cautioned, “let wealth by public the code which ensure honesty, Section 3.2 of the New Judiciary so as to remedy some, if not all, of us be reminded of the Biblical officials. transparency, integrity, ethics Law “shall have jurisdiction of the concerns of the justice sector. Book of Leviticus Chapter 19: 15 The operation of and accountability in the public offenses against property, narcotic “We have the strong conviction which states “Be honest and just Part 10 of the code sector continues to remain lifeless, and hallucinogenic drugs. All that the provision of adequate when you make decisions in legal revealed, she told dormant and un-implemented, persons charged with any of the budgetary appropriation to the cases; do not show favoritism to the gathering, former Chief Justice Scott offenses shall enjoy the right of jury Judiciary and the Ministry of Justice the poor or fear the rich.” Former Chief Justice Scott said the that declaration is not publication maintained. trial, except a jury trial is waived, will enable the administrations of The components of the criminal object of the review of the Code of and that compliance with Part She suggested to her colleagues and if convicted, shall have the the Judiciary and the Ministry of justice system are the Police, Conduct and other integrity statutes 10 of the 2014 Code of Conduct that Liberia needed to consider right of appeal to the Honorable, Justice to provide the necessary the Court and the Bureau of is to harmonize and amend the exposes a process and procedure how to implement the code of the Supreme Court of Liberia. This and basic logistical supports to the Correction. The Police, according laws so that they are in compliance which protect the privacy of public conduct, bearing in mind the Court shall in no way exercise any Justice Sector in Liberia.” to Article 21 (f) of the 1986 with the relevant provisions of the officials and prevent easy access constitutional stipulation and quasi jurisdiction over civil matters Some of the logistical needs of the Constitution of Liberia, primarily 1986 Constitution, which seeks to to public scrutiny and monitoring mandate as provided for in the directly or indirectly.” Police and the Judiciary the Judge protect lives and properties; it prevent corruption and guarantees of the accumulation of wealth by respective provisions which are Deliberating on the theme: Gbeneweleh itemized respectively arrests, interrogates and forwards honesty, credibility, integrity and public officials. direct responses to the perennial “Equipping the Justice Sector include vehicles, forensic suspects to court within 48 hours. accountability in the governance Further dissecting the Code, national outcry against corruption, in Enhancing the Rule of Law laboratory and arms to adequately The Court, which is the second of the state. former Justice Scott declared as nepotism, bribery and conflict of in Liberia,” Judge Gbeneweleh fight crimes across Liberia; and component of the Criminal Delivering the keynote address at another major weakness of the interest by public officials. defined Rule of Law as … “the vehicles for specialized judges, Justice System, the judge’s charge the 2019 Law Day celebrations at integrity document, its failure to The proposition on how to authority and influence of law in magistrates and public defenders continued, issues the appropriate the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, list the Office of the Ombudsman implement the Code of Conduct as society, especially when viewed working across the country. writ charging an accused for the the former Chief Justice alleged statutorily authorized to implement suggested by Justice Scott, is based as a constraint on individual and The assigned Criminal Court C commission of an offence; the that Part X (10) of the 2014 Code the said code as a lawful depository on the fact that her examination institutional behavior; the principle Judge also called for the assignment court also hears and determines a of Conduct was self-defeating and of the assets and interest declared of the code also failed miserably whereby all members of a society of court reporters with modern matter consistent with due process less than the mandated purpose by public officials, rather, the to reveal defined qualifications, (including those in government) recording system/equipment in of law as provided for in Article 20 stipulated in Article 90 of the code listed the three branches of powers and authorities of the are considered equally subject to all Circuit Courts in Montserrado (a) of the 1986 Constitution. Liberian Constitution. government as depositories. Office of the Ombudsman which is publically disclosed legal codes County to enhance the speedy He further mentioned that the Put simply in part, Article 90 of “Access to the declared assets even mandated legally to implement the and processes.” He noted that hearing and determination of cases. Bureau of Corrections, which is the the 1986 Constitution states that by the office of the Ombudsman, code. the components of the Criminal Moreover, Judge Gbeneweleh wants third component of the Criminal “A person elected or appointed may be obtained only by court Shifting her attention to other Justice System play a vital role in government provide adequate Justice System, has the primary to public office should avoid any order. To maintain a court order, integrity agencies and the decrees the enhancement of the Rule of funding for basic skills training duty for the rehabilitation of a activity that is against public policy the one making the request must creating such institutions in Liberia, Law in Liberia, but added that programs at the Monrovia Central convict by providing the skilled or that raises a conflict of interest. have a standing. That is the law and the former Chief Justice disclosed the three-into-one system has Prison to rehabilitate the inmates at training that will transform the Secondly, a public official shall procedure laid down in the Code that the functions of the Liberia serious challenges that needed the facility. Despite the above listed convict to contribute meaningfully not demand or receive bribes or of Conduct.” Anti-Corruption Commission is to be addressed. “Considering challenges, Judge Gbeneweleh to the Liberian Society after serving personal benefits for doing their According to former Chief Justice in conflict with those ofSEE PAGE 9 the tasks and constraints of the promised that magistrates and a prescribed sentence. 6 11 SEATING OF YUSSIF D. KABA AS ASSOCIATE Just report the truth …CJ urges judicial reporters JUSTICE OF THE HONORABLE SUPREME COURT Let me say that we are a friend anywhere in the Judiciary, the Chief Justice Korkpor however of the media. The work you do Chief Justice added, you must un- noted that it was incorrect for me- and what we do should com- derstand that the most important dia practitioners, especially jour- “plement each other. We need you customers and clients of the judi- nalists covering the courts, to re- in order to get to the public what ciary are party litigants, and we- port about the Judiciary as though has been done in the court. And, -members of the Judiciary-- can- it is against the press, thereby mak- as we say, you need us to be able not allow what has not been said, ing judicial actors appear media to sell your newspaper. But some- or what has been filed but has not unfriendly. According to the Chief Justice, de- spite his human rights background and notwithstanding the flexibili- ty his bench has allowed since he took the hemp of authority at the Judiciary, he has been the target of wrong reporting. But, what your wrong reporting actually affects, he maintained, is the system-the judicial system- which we are all under obligation to protect. Chief Justice Korkpor lauded the judicial reporters and others who attended the training for availing themselves to acquire the knowl- times you make us look like mon- been passed upon to go into the edge provided and urged them to sters.” press because it could prejudice a always verify any doubtful infor- Those were the words of the Chief party’s position. mation about the courts through Justice of Liberia, His Honor Fran- Chief Justice Korkpor, who in the the Public Information Office of cis S. Korkpor, Sr. when he spoke past served as the Director of the the Judiciary. at the end of a five-day workshop Catholic Justice and Peace Com- He also lauded USAID through conducted by the Judiciary through mission (JPC), further said some Internews for funding the training its Public Information Section and of them (justices & judicial offi- and recommended that there was Internews. cials) come from a human rights need for more of such training to The Specialized Judicial Reporting Training for journalists covering the Judiciary and Judicial Public Affairs Officers was part of the- Li beria Media Development (LMD) program funded by USAID. Making closing remarks at the cer- emony, Chief Justice Korkpor en- couraged the reporters to use the skills acquired to report truthfully about happenings in the Judiciary. “We are not enemies to anybody… I just want you to report the truth. That’s all. Just report the truth. We background and had in the past enhance the capacity of judicial don’t do anything in secret at the taken up cases on behalf of news- reporters and strengthen their re- Judiciary.” papers, even pre-financing those portage for the good of Liberia. Although nobody will stop you cases when the newspapers were Also speaking at the program, the from getting information from taken to court. Acting Chief of Party SEE PAGE 15

CHIEF JUSTICE FRANCIS S. KORKPOR, SR. WITH JUDICIAL REPORTERS 10 7 JUDICIAL INSTITUTE GRADUATION 2019 ASSOCIATION OF JUDICIAL REPORTERS TRAINING 8 9 LAW DAY CELEBRATION 2019 JUDICIAL INSTITUTE GRADUATION 2019