Justice Minister Oswald Tweh says he is worried about the distrust, lawlessness, violence, and lack of sureness in the country’s legal system.
Minister Tweh therefore called on justice actors to reflect on actions that may contribute to suspicion in the judicial system.
The Justice Minister spoke at the National Convention on November 29, 2024, in Ganta, Nimba County, where he advised actors in the legal system to develop activities that could contribute to the disbelief in the justice system.
Minister Tweh reminded lawyers and judicial actors to reflect on how they might have contributed to the many suspicions within the Judiciary saying, “As we convene, let’s ask ourselves how every one of us in our capacity has contributed to this distrust.”
The Attorney General advised lawyers not to allow citizens to take the laws into their own hands; reminding lawyers that the Judiciary has a responsibility to deliver justice and that posterity demands exemplary conduct from all those who are part of this system.
According to him, justices, judges, and lawyers must remember that life, liberty, the pursuit of happiness, the protection of property through legal processes, and the dispensation of justice require the utmost professional standards from them; as he believes that adherence to the rule of law starts with legal actors.
Minister Tweh advised lawyers to evaluate their actions to determine whether they are fulfilling their duties to the court and the country in consolidating efforts to strengthen quality judicial service.
He added that lawyers should purge themselves of acts that may have contributed to this distrust and lack of confidence in the legal system.
Minister Tweh suggested that they should start by applying the law to the highest ethical standard to hold the public accountable for legal action.
The Justice Minister trusts that justice actors should first create an environment of faith so that all Liberians can feel safe seeking redress through the court.
Cllr. Tweh commended lawyers for furthering the rule of law in their respective capacities as their role is to advance justice and enlarge the people’s access to justice and to improve the administration of justice.
“We have to make a difference in society by working toward preserving the rule of law,” said Minister Tweh.
He recommended that citizens should not be afraid of lawyers to advocate effectively for the rule of law but, they must respect lawyers and believe in them.
“Hence, we must set good examples through proper behavior. We hope that what we do here will aid in the furtherance of the rule of law,” said Tweh.
