Cestos City, Rivercess County – The Resident Judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit Court in Rivercess County, His Honor D. Onesimus Banwon, has called on judicial staff to uphold professionalism, integrity, and ethical discipline as the November A.D. 2025 Term of Court officially opened in Cestos City.
Delivering his charge at the opening ceremony, Judge Banwon said this term of court would focus primarily on the roles, responsibilities, and ethical conduct of court personnel, particularly those assigned to the Magisterial and Circuit Courts. He noted that maintaining high moral and ethical standards among court staff is crucial to strengthening public trust in the judiciary.
“This is very important, especially at a time when the Chief Justice of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia, His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, is being honored for his leadership,” Judge Banwon stated.
Recently, Chief Justice Gbeisay issued a judicial order mandating clerks of both Magisterial and other Courts to file indemnity bonds within 60 working days or face administrative sanctions. The order follows numerous complaints to the Supreme Court regarding alleged mismanagement of funds and court properties by clerks entrusted with statutory responsibilities on behalf of litigants.
Judge Banwon used the occasion to outline the jurisdictional boundaries and functions of Magisterial Courts, describing them as “courts of first instance” with limited authority. He explained that Magisterial Courts primarily handle misdemeanor and minor civil cases, while serious criminal matters—such as rape, murder, and aggravated assault—fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Circuit Court.
He further emphasized the need for magistrates to avoid conflicts of interest, noting that any magistrate with a personal or family connection to a case must recuse themselves to ensure impartial justice.
“The success of the Circuit Court depends on the cooperation, confidentiality, and integrity of all staff members,” he said. “A court that functions with unity, efficiency, and ethical discipline commands public trust and strengthens the rule of law.”
Responding to the judge’s charge, County Attorney Martin M. Tumoe commended the address, describing it as a necessary reminder for judicial accountability. He acknowledged existing challenges within the system but praised the Circuit Court’s administrative organization and efforts to improve credibility at the Magisterial level.
“We are not perfect as humans,” Attorney Tumoe said, “but the 14th Judicial Circuit Court remains organized, and where there were issues, adjustments have been made swiftly.”
Representing Magisterial Court judges, Stipendiary Magistrate of Cestos City Magisterial Court Bruce Boweh pledged that magistrates across the county would uphold the law and work collectively to restore public confidence in the judiciary.
“The Magisterial Court is the biggest community court—it is the front line of the judiciary,” Magistrate Boweh said. “The way we perform our duties will determine the level of respect the public gives to the justice system.”
Also speaking, Civil Society Activist Charles Harrison Teah raised concerns about the continued vacancy of judges in special courts, including traffic, revenue, and debt courts. He appealed to the national government to fill these vacancies to prevent the dissolution of such courts due to retirements.
“Several special court judges have retired without replacement,” Teah noted. “I want to appeal to the relevant authorities to take swift action in addressing this issue.”
The opening of the November Term of Court in Rivercess marks another effort by the judiciary to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in the administration of justice across Liberia.
