By Precious D. Freeman
The Supreme Court rendered decision in two landmark cases which reinforced its role as the ultimate guardian of justice, accountability, and the rule of law in the nation.
In one ruling, the court suspended prominent lawyer Lawrence Bropleh from practicing law for two months due to professional negligence.
In a separate but equally significant decision, the court ordered the leadership of the House of Representatives to pay Montserrado County District Number 10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah his withheld June 2021 salary and benefits, declaring the non-payment a violation of its earlier mandate.
The suspension of Cllr. Bropleh stems from a case involving his client, Kanu Equipment, represented by its manager, Wayne Frattarolli.
The Supreme Court found that Bropleh’s negligence resulted in substantial harm to his client, breaching his professional duty.
As a condition for his reinstatement, Cllr. Bropleh must complete a mandatory training program in civil procedure law at the James A.A. Pierre Judicial Institute and provide proof of completion to the Court.
“This suspension serves as a reminder to all legal practitioners that the rights and interests of clients must always be protected with the highest standard of diligence,” Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh stated while delivering the court’s decision.
The ruling underscores the Supreme Court’s unwavering commitment to upholding professional standards within Liberia’s legal community.
In a separate ruling, the Supreme Court issued a peremptory writ of mandamus compelling the leadership of the House of Representatives to immediately pay Representative Yekeh Kolubah his June 2021 salary and benefits.
The Court found that the House’s failure to comply with its earlier mandate amounted to a violation of Kolubah’s rights and an affront to the rule of law.
“The withholding of Representative Kolubah’s salary and benefits without lawful justification undermines the principles of fairness and due process,” the Court declared.
The dispute traces back to 2021, amid political tensions in the House of Representatives. Kolubah, an outspoken critic of the government, alleged at the time that the non-payment was politically motivated.
The rulings have sparked widespread public debate. Legal experts and political analysts have praised the Supreme Court for asserting its independence and holding both legal practitioners and public officials accountable.
“These decisions demonstrate the csourt’s determination to uphold accountability, protect individual rights, and reinforce the integrity of Liberia’s justice system,” said a prominent legal analyst in Monrovia.
Both rulings highlight the Supreme Court’s growing role in addressing systemic issues of accountability and justice within Liberia’s legal and political spheres.
As Liberia continues to strengthen its democratic institutions, the Supreme Court’s actions serve as a powerful reminder of the Judiciary’s vital role in safeguarding justice, fairness, and the rule of law.
