Over Liberia Justice System:

By: Yassah J Wright

Chief Justice Yamie QuiQui Gbeisay has launched a passionate appeal to Liberians in the Diaspora, international development partners, private investors to come and invest in Liberia, while raising critical red-flag regarding Liberia’s justice system and disposal and workability of the court in handling cases.

Making a special remark and officially performing the seating ceremony for newly appointed magistrates at the grounds of the Temple of Justice on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, Chief Justice Gbeisay called on Liberians in the Diaspora and international development partners and investors to come and invest in Liberia.

“We need you to come and invest in Liberia so that our country can be better. But, I tell you anyone who comes to Liberia, firstly looked at our Justice System. Does the court work? Is the law working? Because nobody wants to invest their money in a country where the law doesn’t work, “he said.

At the same time, commenting on judges and magistrates diligence and unethical behavior, Chief Justice  Gbeisay initiated and announced a potential salary deduction for judges, magistrates who are found delinquent and unethical in the discharge of their duties and responsibilities, thereby reverting his previous caveat of suspension and dismissal.

Chief Justice Gbeisay reiterated that his bench is a different bench, that is deeply-rooted in discipline, and standard therefore, they will be taking robust action against judges and magistrates who don’t come to work in time.

” There are Judges who don’t come to work in time. They come at will and leave at will. But, from the day I took over, I had people going around every morning at 9:00AM to check. If you are a judge and not behind your desk, you will tell me that you are not there. The law says the court activities start at 8:00 AM, but because we don’t have roads in the country, we give one hour grace period to Judges and magistrates to come and do the work for which you are here and pay for. If you are not here, I am not going to suspend you, I will deduct your salary orally,” Chief Justice Gbeisay asserted.

He further stated that he has instituted the Judiciary Inquirer Commission, which he said comprises senior lawyers and they will ensure that the conduct and activities of judges and court administrators and staffers are regulated, investigated and well-coordinated.

Meanwhile, extending appreciation to the newly appointed and commission magistrates, said that the position they have taken is a responsibility and they have now begun an authority.

He lamented that with over five million people in the country, they have been identified and elevated, urging that if they used to sit in the bar and other places, they have to desist, because they are now different and distinguished.

“Magistrate, as you take on your new role today, I want to congratulate you on behalf of the President of Liberia, President Joseph N. Boakai, the Supreme Court and the entire Judiciary. From today, I want you to know that you are no longer an ordinary person. I prayed and hoped that your judgement would reflect and promote Justice, equity and fairness,” Chief Justice Gbeisay inspired.

He told the newly seating magistrates that the working of the law starts with them, reminding them that they are the beginning of the law therefore, as they have been given the opportunity by God, they should demonstrate themselves.

Chief Justice Gbeisay further indicated that it’s important to note that the first job they undertake can be the opportunity for many, because what they do determines where they will go.

According to him, their way of walking, and talking is expected to now be different, therefore, if they used to engage in Public conversation, they should now desist.

” I came here myself as a practicing lawyer going up and down. But, I became a reliving Judge, Associate Justice and now, I am the Chief Justice. By 2029, many of us at the Supreme Court will not be there, therefore, who told you that you can’t be chief Justice? Now, I want you to know that the judgement you will made will affect the lives of people, properties and children. And the way you made them, posterity, society, your conscience and God will judge you,” He noted.