By Moses M. Tokpah
/MARGIBI
The Stipendiary Magistrate of the Kakata Magisterial Court, Julius S. Browne, has issued a stern warning to Margibians and all Liberians against taking the law into their own hands.
Speaking to reporters in Kakata recently, Browne emphasized that such actions undermine the rule of law and threaten peace and order in the country.
He stressed that the best way to maintain safety, harmony, and justice in Liberia is through the legal system, particularly the courts.
“People must have the courage to seek justice through the courts rather than resorting to mob violence or self-help. “We have witnessed a disturbing rise in cases where individuals take the law into their own hands, leading to chaos and undermining the peace we all desire,” Magistrate Browne lamented.
He narrated that the court system is designed to protect the rights of all parties involved — both defendants and complainants.
“Unfortunately, some individuals file cases only to abandon them later, often with the intent of punishing others outside the legal framework. When this happens, the court ensures that no one’s rights are violated, sometimes resulting in the release of suspects until the court is ready to proceed with prosecution,” he asserted.
Magistrate Browne further clarified that if the statutory period for prosecution elapses without action from the state, defendants have the legal right to be released. However, this procedural safeguard according to him, is often misinterpreted by the public as impunity, prompting some to resort to mob violence.
“Some people know the law is the rightful remedy but still choose to bypass it. “Taking the law into your own hands is equivalent to fighting the justice process itself,” the magistrate explained.
He urged all Liberians to respect and follow the law, reminding them that the courts are the proper venue for redress and that vigilante actions only serve to destabilize society.
Magistrate Browne is a former Attorney at Law who was recently elevated to the rank of Stipendiary Magistrate by the Supreme Court of Liberia.
His elevation was publicly acknowledged by Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh during the opening of the May Term of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Kakata.
