The Resident Judge of the Debt Court, James E. Jones, says he will now use robust utilization of the pre-trial conferences and more orderly trial procedures adjudicate cases on his docket.
Judge Jones expressed confidence in combating the prolonged delay of cases on the docket of the court, adding that it will make the trial more predictable.
According to Judge Jones, he will take no flimsy excuses from lawyers, such that contribute to the delay of trial.
He also said lawyers must be deliberate and thorough in their pleading, so as to avoid unwarranted contentions and unnecessary issues.
“Firstly, lawyers must be deliberate and thorough in their pleading so as to avoid unwarranted contention and unnecessary issues,” Judge Jones added.
He maintained that women should file their cases when they are ready, in terms of witnesses and material evidence, despite the statutes of limitation considerable.
The Debt Court of Montserrado County’s Judge averred that lawyers must readily concede and cooperate for forward movement where their interest is not jeopardized.
He added that the court will be very vigorous in executing its mandate in ensuring that the 25 percent judgement be paid before the guilty party leaves the court.
Speaking Tuesday, Jan 9, 2024 during the formal opening of the Debt Court in Montserrado County, January term, Judge Jones said the average time for processing a case in the debt court from filing to judgement legally is about six months.
He continued that the length of time mentioned is far from what should be the actual reality of the time, citing the reduction from six months to six weeks to have a case reach full completion.
“The question now is what can be done here at the Debt Court that would reduce the time to process a case from six months to six weeks,” Judge Jones stated.
Also speaking at the opening of the court, Cllr J. Daku Mulbah, cautioned the court to place more focus on judgment enforcement, as a means of safe guarding the image of the Judiciary.
“We want the court enforce her judgment, because with this, it will give period the confidence in the court system and erase the dark cloud that the Judiciary is corrupt,” Cllr Mulbah said.
The Debt Court exercises exclusive original jurisdiction in all civil actions to obtain payment of a debt in which the amount is $2000 to $15,000 and shares concurrent jurisdiction with the Commercial Court on amounts of $15,000 and above. The Debt Court adopts the procedure of the Circuit Court in the enforcement of its judgment.
Appeal from judgments of the Debt Court or institution of remedial proceedings during trial in the Debt Court do not operate or serve as a stay in the enforcement of its judgment, except when the party was denied its day in court or the amount of the debt is in dispute. Appeals from the determination of the Debt Courts are heard by the Supreme Court.
Sign in
Sign in
Recover your password.
A password will be e-mailed to you.