Judge Cllr. Nelson B. Chineh Calls for Urgent Reform in Liberian Judiciary at Fourth Judicial Circuit Court Opening

By Christian Appleton

Harper City, Maryland County – November 10, 2024 – During the official opening of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court in Harper City, Maryland County, Judge Cllr. Nelson B. Chineh issued a stark call for urgent reforms to restore
public confidence in Liberia’s judiciary system. In his keynote address, centered around the theme “Redefining the Role of Judicial Actors in Restoring Public Confidence in the Liberian Judiciary,” Judge Chineh highlighted a series of challenges facing the court system, including widespread perceptions of corruption, inefficiency, and systemic failure.

Acknowledging the public’s growing distrust in the judiciary, Judge Chineh stressed that the judiciary’s credibility has been severely undermined by issues of fraud and corruption. He pointed to the overloaded court system and the overcrowded Harper Central Prison, where many detainees are languishing without trial, as clear evidence of the systemic challenges that need
immediate attention. He emphasized that these issues require collective action from all judicial stakeholders to bring about meaningful reform and restore the public’s trust.

“The judiciary is at a crossroads. The public no longer has faith in our ability to deliver justice,” said Judge Chineh, addressing the gathering of judicial officials, legal professionals, and government representatives. “Our courtrooms are clogged with cases, and our prisons are overrun. We must work together to change this narrative.”

Judge Chineh outlined several measures to address the challenges facing the judiciary. Chief among these was his call for judicial actors—including judges, lawyers, clerks, ministerial officers, and jurors—to redefine their roles and
collaborate more effectively to uphold the rule of law. He argued that every action taken by a judicial actor, whether it be a judge’s ruling or a lawyer’s representation, directly impacts public perception of the judiciary.

The judge specifically referenced Rule 8 of the Rules and Regulations for Magistrate and Traffic Courts, which requires that all indictable offenses be promptly forwarded to the Circuit Court during Grand Jury sittings. He
expressed concern that some magistrates have failed to adhere to this critical rule, contributing to delays and undermining the court credibility.

“Failure to follow the law will negatively impact the imageof the judiciary,” Judge Chineh warned, urging all judicial actors to respect the letter and spirit of the law.

In his speech, Judge Chineh also emphasized the need for judicial independence, urging judges and magistrates to resist external pressures from political figures, business leaders, or government officials. He underscored that upholding the rule of law without fear or favor is essential for restoring public trust in the legal system.

“We must make decisions based solely on the facts and the law, not on political or personal interests. This is the foundation of a just and fair society,” he said.

Further, Judge Chineh touched on the crucial role that lawyers play in the judicial process. He reminded the audience that the right to legal representation is guaranteed under Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, but warned
that the quality of legal representation must be taken seriously. He cautioned that incompetent or negligent lawyers can severely undermine the fairness of trials and erode public confidence in the system.

“The right to legal representation is a cornerstone of justice. But when lawyers fail to fulfill their duties, it compromises the entire judicial process,” he stated.

Judge Chineh concluded his address by reiterating the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the judicial system, urging all parties involved to prioritize integrity, professionalism, and impartiality. He called for more
investment in judicial training, a reduction in case backlogs, and the provision of adequate resources for the courts.

As the opening of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court marks a significant milestone in Liberia’s judicial reform efforts, Judge Chineh’s remarks underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to rebuild the public’s faith in the judiciary. The judge’s call for a unified approach to reform is a vital
step toward ensuring that Liberia’s courts can deliver justice fairly and impartially to all its citizens.