Liberia’s Chief Justice, Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has called on newly appointed magistrates to uphold integrity, remain at their assigned posts and put the interests of the public ahead of personal gain.
Gbeisay spoke during the commissioning of the new magistrates, saying they are joining the Judiciary at a time of reform and improved institutional support.
He said the Judiciary had previously operated with less than three percent of the national budget but noted that its financial and institutional support is now improving.
The Chief Justice said the increased support comes with greater responsibility, warning the new magistrates against corruption, absenteeism and irresponsible financial conduct.
He cautioned them against using their judicial positions to make money, saying corruption could bring their careers to an early end.
Gbeisay also urged the magistrates to manage their salaries responsibly and live within their means, stressing that financial hardship cannot justify dishonest conduct.
He placed particular emphasis on magistrates assigned to counties outside Monrovia, saying those officers must live and work in the communities where they are posted.
“Once you accept an assignment in the county, you have to go there,” he said, warning against magistrates remaining in Monrovia while officially assigned elsewhere.
Gbeisay said repeated absenteeism could lead to disciplinary action and disclosed that judicial inspectors would monitor magistrates to ensure they remain at their duty stations and perform their responsibilities.
The Chief Justice said the deployment of the magistrates is part of a wider effort to bring judicial services closer to Liberians, particularly those living outside the capital.
“We want justice, access to justice, in every part of Liberia,” he said.
He urged the newly commissioned officers to regard their appointments as a public trust and to carry out their duties with fairness, discipline and professionalism.
The warning comes as Liberia seeks to improve access to justice across the country, where distance and limited judicial services can make it difficult for citizens to resolve legal disputes.
For the new magistrates, Gbeisay’s message was clear: a judicial appointment is not simply a position of authority; it is a responsibility to remain present, serve the public and uphold the law.
