For Not Adhering To Judicial Order: Chief Justice Frowns On Judges, Magistrates

By Moses M. Tokpah
/Margibi
Chief Justice Sie-A-NyeneYuoh has frowned at circuit court judges, specialized court judges, and magistrates for failing to adhere to judicial orders issued by the Supreme Court.
Speaking at the formal opening of the May Term of court as the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Kakata, Margibi County, Justice Yuoh highlighted the troubling disregard for Judicial Order #9, which mandates that circuit judges must visit magisterial courts within their circuits before leaving at the end of a term.
Despite this clear directive, the Supreme Court has not received any reports confirming adherence to this order, prompting her frustration.
“And I can tell you, you all know me I am not boasting about it but for me I’m not like people who are too busy protecting their title and not doing their job,” Yuoh declared, emphasizing her commitment to enforcing compliance.
“I am going to do my job; this May Term I’ll do my job to see that this judicial order is practicalized by every circuit judge.”
The Chief Justice also revealed that the Supreme Court has gathered evidence against several judges who have abandoned their circuits during their term.
In response, the court took decisive action by suspending these judges for three months without pay or benefits.
Although these judges have since returned to their posts, Yuoh underscored the need for ongoing oversight, stating that the court inspectorate and personnel offices will continue to monitor compliance across various circuits.
Yuoh issued a stark warning to judges who neglect their duties, stating that if repeated visits to their circuits reveal them sitting in Monrovia instead of their designated areas, they will face a one-year suspension.
“That is the decision of the Supreme Court,” she asserted, reinforcing her authority and commitment to upholding judicial ethics.
Moreover, she clarified that any judge facing suspension would not receive their salary during their time away from their duties, with their names being removed from the payroll until their return, a policy aims to ensure accountability and deter future non-compliance.
The Chief Justice also addressed the issue of unauthorized absences, stating that judges traveling outside of Liberia without the Supreme Court’s authorization would face financial penalties, deducting pay for each day or month spent away from their assigned areas.
“So let us do our job,” Yuoh urged, reminding the judiciary that adherence to established rules is essential for maintaining the integrity of the legal system.
She reiterated that each level of court in Liberia has specific rules to follow, including the stipulation that civil cases in magisterial courts should not be delayed for more than two weeks due to their limited jurisdiction.
She cautioned magistrates and city solicitors against improper court submissions, referring to specific instances where the legal process was undermined by inappropriate actions in court.
Chief Justice Yuoh’s address served as a strong reminder to the judiciary in Liberia that accountability and adherence to judicial orders are paramount for the effective functioning of the legal system.
The Chief Justice’s commitment to enforcing compliance reflects a determined effort to uphold the rule of law and ensure that justice is served in a timely and efficient manner.