Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr. on Wednesday August 20, 2025, laid out an ambitious agenda for sweeping reforms within the Liberian judiciary.
The occasion, held in the hallowed chambers of the Supreme Court, also marked the official seating of Associate Justice Boakai N. Kanneh.
The event was attended by top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, legal professionals, and family members of the newly seated justices.
Among the dignitaries present were Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, members of the Legislature, Cabinet, and the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA).
“We Have Come Ready and Prepared to Perform”
Speaking candidly, Chief Justice Gbeisay expressed gratitude to his fellow justices, family, and the legal community, while making it clear that his tenure will be driven by accountability, discipline, and a performance-based judicial culture.
“Life is a stage,” he remarked. “When you are given the opportunity to appear on it, you must meet the challenge and perform to the best of your ability. We have come ready and prepared to perform.”
He pledged to lead as a team player among equals on the Supreme Court Bench, noting, “I will consult all of you from time to time on crucial decisions.
The work of the Supreme Court is a collective responsibility.”
Judiciary to Undergo Structural and Personnel Reforms
Chief Justice Gbeisay outlined nine key areas that will receive immediate attention under his administration, including:
Performance-Based Monitoring: The current Inspectorate Division will be transformed into a Judiciary Monitoring and Evaluation Division to track court performance, including case disposal rates and the quality of rulings.
Credential Audits & Discipline: A full audit of judiciary staff qualifications will be undertaken.
Judges and staff will be held to higher standards, with strict expectations on attendance and performance. “Our job is not a part-time job,” he warned.
Refresher Training for Judges: The James A. A. Pierre Judicial Institute will be tasked with conducting mandatory training for judges and support staff to improve the quality of judicial decisions.
“We will no longer accept rulings whose only reliance is ‘in the mind of the court,’” he declared.
End to One-Man Law Firms: The Chief Justice criticized the “solo practice” model that hinders court operations, pledging decisive action, potentially through a Judicial Order.
Judicial Independence and Salaries: Emphasizing the Judiciary’s constitutional equality with the Executive and Legislative branches, he called for better salaries for judges and thanked the Boakai administration for implementing the Judiciary Financial Autonomy Act.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption: He announced sweeping anti-corruption measures including CCTV installations, whistleblower hotlines, signage against bribery, and stricter enforcement by the Judicial Inquiry and Grievance & Ethics Commissions.
Tough Stance on Legal Misconduct
Chief Justice Gbeisay didn’t spare the Bar.
He expressed concern over growing unethical practices among lawyers, especially young attorneys “who try to invent or manufacture evidence.”
He also condemned abuse of remedial writs that cause delays and contribute to case backlogs.
Land Disputes and Justice for All
He noted the rise in land dispute cases and promised collaboration with the Liberia Land Authority and National Archives to combat land fraud.
“If nothing is done, we will not be surprised if someone appears in court with ‘original deed’ for the land occupied by the Temple of Justice itself,” he quipped, drawing laughter from the audience.
Fairness for All—But Preparedness is Key
In a pointed message to the government, he cautioned that the state often loses cases not because of judicial bias but due to poor legal preparation.
“We urge the Government to first seek candid legal advice, collect the best evidence, and employ the best legal minds,” he said. “The court will not do for the party litigant what they ought to do for themselves.”
A Judiciary as a Beacon of Hope
Ending his address, Chief Justice Gbeisay assured the nation that under his leadership, the courts will serve as a “beacon of hope” for all—rich or poor, public or private.
“Everyone who is injured and distressed can rest assured that he or she will find justice in our courts,” he said. “We only look at the facts, the evidence, and the applicable laws—nothing more, nothing less.”
As the Supreme Court ushers in this new chapter under Chief Justice Gbeisay and Associate Justice Kanneh, the message from the Bench is clear: discipline, transparency, and justice will not be compromised.
