By Samuel Flomo, Jr.
The Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court ‘E,’ His Honor Cornelius Flomo Wennah, has called for integrity, discipline, and ethical responsibility.
Judge Wennah call was contained in a statement he delivered recently at the opening of the February 2026 Term of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court, and Criminal Court ‘E’ in Bong County.
At the ceremony on Monday, February 9, 2026, Judge Wennah delivered “two-fold charge” directed at lawyers and prospective jurors, whom he identified as the backbone of the justice system.
In his address to members of the legal profession, Judge Wennah made it clear that integrity is not a matter of convenience, but the very foundation upon which justice stands.
He cautioned lawyers against misleading the court, distorting facts, misrepresenting the law, or taking advantage of vulnerable litigants.
“A victory obtained by deception is not advocacy but ethical failure,” Judge Wennah warned, noting that a lawyer’s ultimate duty is owed to justice itself, not merely to clients.
He urged lawyers to remain diligent, disciplined, and continuously studious, adding that the law evolves through legislation, judicial precedents, constitutional interpretation, and international legal obligations binding on the country.
“Poor preparation, frivolous motions, and incorrect legal citations,” he said, “not only waste judicial time, but also weaken public confidence in the courts.”
Turning to prospective jurors, Judge Wennah described their service as a “sacred civic responsibility, not a favor to the court nor an imposition by the government.”
“When you sit as a juror, you become the voice of the community and the conscience of society,” he told the panel.
Wennah cautioned jurors to approach every case with open and impartial minds, free from personal interests, social pressure, or external influence.
The jurors, he cautioned, must decide cases strictly on the evidence presented in court and the law as instructed, without fear, favor, or prejudice.
He also warned against accepting gifts or discussing cases outside jury deliberations.
Judge Wennah said, justice ultimately belongs to the people, with jurors serving as their direct representatives within the judicial process.
“Any carelessness or distraction during jury service, risks punishing the innocent, while emboldening the guilty.”
Wennah meanwhile, reminded both lawyers and jurors that they are partners; not adversaries in the pursuit of justice.
“When each actor performs their role with honesty and discipline, public trust in the judiciary is strengthened and the rule of law upheld.”
The opening ceremony was attended by members of the bar, prospective jurors, civil society representatives, among them, the county Superintendent, Loleyah Hawa Norris.