Chief Justice, His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, appears to be facing criticisms from some quarters following his call for the abolition of the trial jury system.
He Cited Concerns about alleged jury tampering, corruption, questionable verdicts, and delays in the administration of justice, among other issues undermining the judicial system.
Gbeisay Made These remarks during the opening of the October Term of the Supreme Court on Monday, October 12, in Monrovia.
He Expressed Concerns that alleged jury tampering, corruption, questionable verdicts, and delays in court proceedings were weakening public confidence in the administration of justice.
The Chief Justice urged national leaders, and legal stakeholders, to examine whether Liberia should retain its jury system. He also called for practical measures to reduce case backlogs, resolve old, or abandoned cases, and ensure that court opinions are delivered more promptly.
We Agree With the Chief Justice on one hand, but disagree with him on the other. We agree with his concerns, because it makes little, or no sense to rely on individuals, who lack adequate knowledge of legal procedures to render verdicts in serious judicial matters without proper preparation and guidance.
Although Jurors Are not necessarily required to possess formal legal qualifications, they must understand their responsibilities, and the principles governing the fair administration of justice.
It Is Like hiring a child to prepare food intended for elders; recruiting people who are not equipped enough to beat drum for professional dancers; hiring someone without carpentry skills to build a house; or asking a blind man to lead a group of sighted people.
These Examples Illustrate the importance of possessing the appropriate knowledge, skills, and preparation for a particular responsibility.
However, We Disagree with the proposal to abolish the jury system entirely. Rather than discarding it, Liberia should consider strengthening it through periodic training, proper orientation, and clear guidance for selected jurors.
Such Measures Would help them better understand courtroom procedures, evaluate evidence, follow the instructions of the presiding judge, and appreciate the legal principles that must guide their decisions.
Additionally, Effective Safeguards should be introduced, or strengthened to prevent jury tampering, bribery, intimidation, and other forms of interference that threaten the integrity of trials.
Those Found Guilty of undermining the judicial process should face appropriate legal consequences. The solution to a flawed system is not always its abolition; sometimes, it is meaningful reform.
Our Justice System needs credibility, efficiency, fairness, and public confidence. If the jury system has weaknesses, those weaknesses must be addressed decisively.
