By Grace Q. Bryant
Chief Justice Sie-A- Nyene Yuoh has called for the rebranding of the Judiciary to create a strong positive image and perception of the Branch of Government which will evidently engender greater public trust dependability in the Judicial system.
“Our brand marks will entail improvement in the quality of Judicial services provided in our courts across the country by elevating the quality of personnel at the Judiciary, whilst at the same time, working to improve the infrastructure that will provide a conducive work environment,” Chief Justice noted.
According to her, it will also strengthen the system of monitoring and evaluation of job performance to ensure that professionalism becomes the hallmark at the Liberian Judiciary rather than business as usual.
She further explained that they will embark on massive public awareness of the functions of the Liberian Judicial system by using the various communication methods and tools to ensure that the Liberian people and other nationals residing within the Republic are fully educated on the workings of the Judiciary system.
“To monitor and evaluate the performance of our Magistrates and to enhance efficiency and restore order on our Magisterial courts, the bench has also evoked Section 7.5,” she reminded.
In quoting Section 7.5 of the Judiciary Law as amended in 2013 which law states: “A Stipendiary Magistrate shall hold office for a period of four years and shall be eligible for reappointment but he may be removed from office by the President prior to the expiration of his term of office for cause established by an investigation conducted by the Judiciary Inquiry Commission,” she noted.
She said that over the years reports on the performance of the Judiciary and in particular the courts have been discouraging and the nature of said reports has not changed.
She continued that they will submit listing of all acting Stipendiary and Associate Magistrates whose commission are due for renewal.
She added that the Supreme Court will closely collaborate with the Judiciary Inquiry Commission and the office of the Court’s Administrator to conduct a thorough performance review of every Magistrates serving for four years in order to determine whether or not the Magistrate is morally and professionally qualified to remain in court.
“To our specialized Magistrate Court Judges, my message to you remains the same; remember your solemn oath and remember that your position as a judge is one of tedious sacrifice rather than glamour, fame or wealth,” she expressed.
The Chief Justice continued that the message is not unique to Liberia, since, as in all jurisprudence across the globe; there is a demand that judges be studious and focus on the perfect administration of the law in courts rather than the challenges facing the courts.
