The leadership of the National Association of Public Defenders of Liberia (NAPDOL) has commended Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay for his invaluable consultancy services, which have significantly enhanced the capacity of lawyers representing indigent individuals—those unable to afford legal counsel-and expanded access to justice across Liberia.
According to NAPDOL President, Cllr. Bestman D. Juah, Sr., Justice Gbeisay played a pivotal role during his time as a consultant in improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Public Defenders Program, particularly in case management and the provision of quality legal defense for indigent defendants across all judicial circuits in the country.
Cllr. Juah emphasized that Justice Gbeisay’s contributions were especially impactful in the training and professional development of public defenders, leading to measurable improvements in the program’s performance.
“These services have significantly strengthened the program’s ability to provide competent and consistent legal representation to indigent defendants,” Cllr. Juah stated.
He further described Justice Gbeisay as a distinguished jurist with over twenty-seven (27) years of experience in the legal profession, having served in various capacities including as a practicing attorney, Relieving Judge, and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia.
Cllr. Juah also praised President Joseph Boakai for nominating Justice Gbeisay as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, a nomination currently pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate.
Justice Gbeisay began providing consultancy services to the Public Defenders Program during the tenure of former Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor, Sr.
Background on the National Public Defense Program
In alignment with Liberia’s international legal obligations, the Supreme Court of Liberia established the National Public Defense Program in 2009.
Administered through the Public Defenders’ Office (PDO) and coordinated by the Public Defense Coordinator, the program was created to provide legal representation to indigent criminal defendants and to ensure broader access to justice for individuals accused or suspected of crimes, including those arrested or detained.
The overarching objective of the program is to uphold the fundamental rights of criminal defendants, as enshrined in the 1986 Constitution of Liberia. Key constitutional provisions include:
Article 21(c): Every person suspected or accused of committing a crime must be promptly informed of the charges against them, their right to remain silent, and the fact that any statement made may be used in court.
They are entitled to legal counsel at every stage of the investigation and may not be interrogated without counsel present. Any statements made without legal counsel are inadmissible in court.
Article 21(f): Every individual arrested or detained must be formally charged and brought before a court within 48 hours. If a prima facie case is established, the court must issue a formal writ of arrest and ensure a speedy trial. Preventive detention is prohibited.
Article 21(h): No individual shall face trial for a capital or serious offense without indictment by a grand jury, except in cases involving impeachment, the military or petty offenses.
The accused has the right to a speedy, public, and impartial trial by a local jury unless this right is knowingly waived. The right to legal counsel, to confront and call witnesses, to remain silent, and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt are all guaranteed.
Article 21(i): The right to counsel and the sanctity of the lawyer-client relationship are inviolable. In all criminal proceedings, if the accused cannot afford legal representation, the state is obligated to provide legal aid to ensure the protection of the individual’s rights.
Justice Gbeisay currently exercises judicial oversight over four key counties: Grand Bassa, Bong, Nimba, and Lofa.
