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9th Circuit Court Judge Stresses Integrity …As Courts Open For May Term

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By Patrick Stephen Tokpah
/Bong
The 9th Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga, Bong County, has officially opened for the May Term of the Court in the County.
Bong County is the home of the 9th Judicial Circuit, which sits on criminal, civil, and probate matters and is housed in the Judicial Complex in Gbarnga City.
The 9th Judicial Circuit has three specialized courts and oversees the functions of a total of nine magisterial courts located across the county.
The 9th Judicial Circuit Court in Bong County is presided over by J. Boima Kontoe.
Delivering his charge at the official opening of the May term of court on Monday, May 12, 2025, Judge Kontoe emphasized the legal duty of lawyers, stressing the need for them to uphold integrity through the dispensation of their decisions.
Judge Kontoe reiterated that the presence of lawyers at the formal opening of court is not merely a tradition but a legal obligation, backed by the Supreme Court.
He cited relevant judicial provisions that mandate all practicing lawyers to show respect for the court’s authority by being present at the commencement of each term.
“We need to uphold the trust and confidence as lawyers; what we are doing is for the county and state, and the oath we took.
I am therefore urging all of you to do the best thing as possible at all times to attend the opening of Court,” Judge Kontoe added.
Judge Kontoe warned that failure to comply with this requirement could lead to disciplinary measures, including contempt charges.
His remarks came as several legal practitioners were notably absent from the opening session.
Moreover, the Coordinator of Trial Judges for Bong County, Sackie A. Mafelleh, decried the deplorable condition of court facilities in the county, as confronting the judicial system in Bong County.
“Your Honor and everyone in here, let me register with grief that our courts are challenged. We have nine magisterial courts in the county, only two are operating in their own buildings, but the rest are operating in people’s homes an even the facilities that host our court are in deplorable conditions. Our magistrates are suffering. We need timely redress from the administration of Bong County, the government of Liberia, and partners,” Mr. Mafelleh noted.
Bong County Superintendent Hawa Loleyah Norris admonished judges and lawyers of the county to be committed to the development of Bong County while practicing their legal profession.
The superintendent, at the same time, assured members of the Bong County Bar Association of her commitment to working with them on the overall development of the county.
According to the Judicial Law of Liberia, the circuit court shall meet four times a year in quarterly sessions, and the circuits shall be entitled to the February, May, August, and November sessions.

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