Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Gyapay Yuoh of the Supreme Court inducted newly appointed and reappointed Stipendiary and Associate Magistrates into their respective courts and presented them with official letters of assignment during a ceremony at the Temple of Justice on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Addressing the magistrates, Chief Justice Yuoh stressed the critical role of ethical standards and the rule of law in the judiciary, urging the appointees to deliver justice grounded in integrity and impartiality. She underscored that their judgments must reflect adherence to the law, which remains the cornerstone of Liberia’s judicial system.
The Chief Justice highlighted that the reappointment of certain magistrates for an additional four-year term was based on public recommendations regarding their professional conduct in and out of office. She called on the magistrates to remain guided by the judiciary’s code of conduct in fulfilling their responsibilities.
The appointments, made by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on December 20, 2024, took effect on January 2, 2025, and will run through January 2, 2029, in accordance with Section 7.5 of the Judiciary Law of 1972, amended in 2013. In his official communication, President Boakai expressed confidence in the magistrates’ ability to uphold the laws of Liberia and deliver justice.
Chief Justice Yuoh also reminded the magistrates of their obligation to submit Declarations of Income, Assets, and Liabilities to the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) as part of ongoing efforts to promote transparency and combat corruption within public service.
Among the reappointed magistrates is Atty. L. Ben Barco, Stipendiary Magistrate of the Monrovia City Court, who has been widely acknowledged for his dedication to the judiciary and legal acumen.
Speaking at the event, Criminal Court ‘A’ Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, who oversees magistrates nationwide, advised the appointees to focus on earning the public’s trust through exemplary performance. He noted that their actions would judge their careers, emphasizing that promotions or dismissals would hinge on public perception of their service.
