Justice Gbeisay Wants Constitution Reform

Justice Gbeisay Wants Constitution Reform

…Lectures Senators On Court’s Modification

By Godgift Harris

Supreme Court Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, recently nominated by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai as te country’s next Chief Justice has sparked national debate following his candid remarks during his senate confirmation hearing.

Gbeisay candidly told the senators on Monday, July 14, 2025, that he will institute a strong call for a comprehensive overhaul of 1986 Constitution.

He criticized a recent Supreme Court ruling on a legislative leadership dispute, and outlined an ambitious reform agenda for the nation’s justice system.

When he appeared before the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Claims and Petitions, Justice Gbeisay described the country’s constitution was obsolete and misaligned with the country’s evolving governance realities and democratic aspirations.

“We should go back to the constitution, identify those provisions that are inconsistent with today’s realities, and address them through a structured review process,” the learned lawyer told the senators.

According to Justice Gbeisay, what constrains the court today is the lack of a revised constitution that can guide decisions in alignment with current trend of events.

In a rare move for a sitting Justice, Gbeisay publicly criticized the Supreme Court’s recent decision regarding the post-election leadership dispute within the House of Representatives.

That ruling upheld the controversial return of Representative Jonathan Fonati Koffa, and other lawmakers to key leadership positions, despite a contentious standoff following the 2023 general elections.

Justice Gbeisay described the ruling as “legally flawed” and “politically consequential,” though he refrained from delving into the specifics of the court’s deliberations.

“The Constitution,” he described as being obsolete in some areas” adding: “Our rulings are often limited to the original intent of the framers of the 1986 Constitution, which was then under the regime of former President Samuel K. Doe (deceased.)

“Without a review, the court is restrained even if a matter no longer aligns with current governance needs, Justice Gbeisay lectured the senators, who looked in disbelief.”

Gbeisay’s criticism, while being highly praised by some lawmakers for its candor, raised eyebrows about internal unity within the high court.

Justice Gbeisay did not stop at constitutional matters. He turned to systemic challenges within the country’s judicial system,

particularly the mandatory use of jury trials in criminal proceedings, a practice he said, is “inefficient and outdated.”

“We are the only country in West Africa where jury trials are mandatory. This system significantly slows the pace of justice. One jury can only hear one case at a time in a 42-day court term. Judges, on the other hand, can handle multiple cases concurrently.”

The result, he said, is a crippling backlog that leaves many Liberians waiting months, or even years, for justice.

Nonetheless, legal analysts say Gbeisay’s nomination, if confirmed, could herald a new era for the country’s judiciary, particularly, if his proposals gain political support and are implemented in earnest.

As the Senate continues deliberations, the nation watches closely to see whether this moment of judicial self-reflection will translate into long-overdue reform or become another missed opportunity in the country’s post-conflict reconstruction.

Meanwhile, Justice Gbeisay’s confirmation continued on yesterday, Wednesday, as he “lectured the senators on different legal aspects of the reform.”