Liberia’s judiciary faces an escalating crisis as magistrates voice their anger over being excluded from retroactive salary payments granted to circuit court judges. In what they view as an unjust decision, the government reportedly compensated judges over USD 20,000 each to cover pre-harmonized salaries for 2024. However, magistrates, who argue that they were equally affected by the harmonization policy, have been left out of the payment process, igniting widespread discontent.
The harmonization policy, implemented under the previous administration, reduced salaries across the public sector, including judiciary ones. Although both judges and magistrates faced salary cuts, magistrates were excluded from the recent restitution facilitated by President Joseph Boakai’s government. This decision has sparked debates about fairness, transparency, and the treatment of magistrates within Liberia’s judicial system.
Judge Nancy Sammy, president of the National Association of Trial Judges of Liberia (NATJL), has reportedly expressed disappointment over excluding magistrates. Magistrates argue that their roles and contributions to the judiciary warrant equal recognition. “Why are we being told we are not judges when we contribute significantly to the system and even pay dues to NATJL?” one magistrate questioned.
According to Liberia’s Judicial Law, judges are categorized as justices, circuit court judges, and magistrates. Despite this legal classification, magistrates claim they are treated as inferior by their superiors. Many are now questioning their continued membership in NATJL, which they accuse of failing to advocate for their rights.
“This is not just about money,” one magistrate explained. “It’s about respect for our role and the acknowledgment of our contributions. We are the backbone of the judiciary, especially in rural areas, yet we are sidelined at every turn.” The magistrates argue that their exclusion from the salary payments is just the latest in a series of systemic inequalities they face.
The magistrates also take issue with Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, accusing her of misinterpreting Article 72 of the 1986 Constitution. They claim that the Chief Justice unilaterally decided to exclude them from the restitution process, despite their inclusion in the original legal challenge against the harmonization policy. “The government never disputed our inclusion in the lawsuit. Why, then, are we excluded from the benefits?” a magistrate asked.
Beyond the issue of salaries, magistrates highlight deeper frustrations with their treatment within the judiciary. They allege that opportunities for professional growth and education are systematically denied to them. Some report being barred from attending Liberia’s only law school, a restriction they say limits their ability to advance their careers and contribute more effectively to the judicial system.
The lack of professional development opportunities has left many magistrates feeling stuck. “How can we improve if we’re not allowed to pursue higher education or participate in meaningful capacity-building programs?” one magistrate questioned. “We need opportunities to grow, not just for ourselves but for the betterment of the judiciary as a whole.”
The magistrates are also calling for better working conditions. Many of them are assigned to remote areas with limited resources, where they face significant challenges in administering justice. “We work under tough conditions, often without adequate support, and yet we are treated as second-class members of the judiciary,” one magistrate lamented.
With their grievances mounting, some magistrates are now advocating for a break from NATJL. They argue that forming their own association, the National Trial Magistrates of Liberia, would allow them to better advocate for their rights and interests. “If NATJL cannot represent us, then we need to represent ourselves,” one magistrate asserted.
The exclusion from retroactive payments has also prompted magistrates to consider more drastic measures. Some have suggested a nationwide court closure to draw attention to their plight. “If we shut down the courts, the government and the public will have no choice but to take notice,” one magistrate said.
The idea of a collective boycott has gained traction among magistrates, who believe it could force the government and judiciary to address their concerns. “We are not asking for special treatment; we are asking for fairness,” one magistrate explained. “If it takes shutting down the courts to achieve that, so be it.”
Magistrates also feel dehumanized by their treatment within the judiciary. They describe being called derogatory names by their colleagues and facing constant marginalization. “Some judges refer to us as ‘bush magistrates,’ belittling the important work we do,” one magistrate shared.
The frustration extends to their personal lives, where magistrates say they struggle to meet the expectations of their families and communities. “People think we earn a lot and live comfortably, but the reality is far from that,” one magistrate explained. “We often have to support multiple households on salaries that barely cover basic needs.”
The magistrates’ dissatisfaction has exposed deep cracks in Liberia’s judicial system. Their exclusion from the retroactive payments is seen as symptomatic of a larger problem: the lack of respect and recognition for those who serve at the grassroots level.
“The judiciary must do better,” one magistrate insisted. “We need fair treatment, adequate compensation, and opportunities for growth. Anything less is unacceptable.”
The magistrates are also urging the government to address the systemic inequalities they face. “This is not just about money; it’s about ensuring that every member of the judiciary is treated with dignity and respect,” one magistrate said.
As tensions escalate, the magistrates call on Chief Justice Yuoh and other judicial leaders to engage with them directly. “We need answers and action,” one magistrate demanded. “Ignoring us will only make things worse.”
The controversy has also drawn attention to Liberia’s judiciary’s broader challenges. Magistrates argue that their struggles reflect a system that prioritizes some members over others, undermining the judiciary’s integrity.
Ultimately, the magistrates say they are fighting not just for themselves but for the future of Liberia’s judicial system. “We are entrusted with delivering justice, often under the most challenging conditions,” one magistrate concluded. “It’s time for the judiciary to recognize our worth and treat us accordingly.”
See Letter Below:
“May it please Your Honors. The President, Her Honor Nancy Finda Sammy, has instructed that I provide you with the following information, which was provided to her by the Chief Justice (CJ) during a telephone conversation yesterday evening. The CJ informed Judge Sammy to relay to the members of the NATJL that Judges are being paid their pre-harmonized salaries retroactively for last year, January to December 2024; some Judges have received alerts from their banks while others have not.
Judge Sammy said that when she inquired about Magistrates, the CJ replied that the GoL considered Article 72 of the 1986 Constitution, which talks about Judges. However, the CJ assured her that Magistrates would be captured in the 2025 budget.
The President said that she informed the CJ that this information brings her much dissatisfaction as Magistrates were a part of the IN RE Petition that was filed before the Supreme Court. As such, she suggested that the Administration of the Judiciary make this announcement to the members of the NATJL. In response, the CJ told Judge Sammy that the Justices have made it a policy that when issues arise in the Circuits, they should be addressed to the Justice having oversight and that Justice will bring those issues to the attention of other Justices to be discussed during their forum.
The President wishes to stress that this was only brought to her attention last evening and wants to assure all Magistrates that Judges are not a part of this decision by the Supreme Court.
Thanks.
The Secretariat .”
