Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr., has emphasized the need for judicial integrity and respect for the rule of law.
The Liberian Chief Justice made these remarks when he was addressing the official opening of the Supreme Court March Term A.D. 2026, on Monday, March 9, at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
Chief Justice Gbeisay address also touched wide-range of judicial issues including judicial accountability, respect for constitutional limits on free speech, and continued reforms within the judiciary.
Speaking before a huge audience of government officials, members of the bench and bar, diplomats, and international partners, Chief Justice Gbeisay reflected on the judiciary’s constitutional mandate and the central role of justice in maintaining national stability.
“Justice, which is the firmest pillar upon which this and every nation on earth rest its hope, is the greatest asset of any nation, for equal protection and peace,” Gbeisay said during the ceremony in Monrovia.
The event was attended by Liberia’s President, Joseph Nyumah Boakai, the Speaker of the 55th legislators, judges, members of the legal profession, and visiting representatives from the Nigerian Bar Association.
In his address, the Chief Justice also paid tribute to members of the judiciary and the legal community who died during the past term, including staff, judges, and lawyers.
Among those honored was former Associate Justice George E. Henries, who previously served as Solicitor General and later continued providing pro bono services to the judiciary.
“May his soul and the souls of all faithful departed rest in perfect peace,” Gbeisay said.
Judicial reforms and training
The Chief Justice highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen Liberia’s judicial system through training and institutional reforms.
Judges recently participated in a peer-review training workshop in Grand Bassa County focusing on judgment writing, ethics, and courtroom management.
The program received support from the United Nations Development Programme and the International Development Law Organization.
Additional training on oil and cyber laws is expected with funding from the National Oil Company of Liberia (NOCAL).
Gbeisay also announced the establishment of the Judicial Monitoring, Evaluation, and Accountability Department to improve performance and curb corruption within the judiciary.
“We call on all lawyers, as arms of the court, to join us in the fight against corruption in the judiciary by reporting shady deals and unethical practices,” he said.
Budget and cooperation with government
The Chief Justice commended the administration of President Boakai for increasing the judiciary’s national budget allocation, which historically had been less than three percent of the country’s annual spending.
“Your government has so far proven its genuine interest in the rule of law,” Gbeisay told the president.
However, he also raised concerns about unresolved salary deductions imposed on judges in 2018, urging continued dialogue among Liberia’s three branches of government.
Landmark ruling on free speech
A significant portion of the address focused on a recent Supreme Court ruling regarding freedom of expression under the Constitution of Liberia.
The decision arose from contempt proceedings against social media commentator Justin Opa Yeazean.
According to the Court’s interpretation of Article 15(a), freedom of expression is not absolute.
“Nothing in this world is absolute; so it is with Article 15 of our Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech,” Gbeisay said.
He added that the Constitution guarantees speech while holding individuals responsible for its abuse.
“Engaging in vulgarity, profanity, and naked abuse on social media is an abuse of the freedom of speech,” he stated.
The Court sentenced Yeazean to six months’ conditional imprisonment after finding him guilty of contempt for insulting members of the Supreme Court without evidence.
Strengthening the legal profession
The Chief Justice also announced measures to modernize the practice of law in Liberia. Law firms are now required to submit detailed records of lawyers and staff to the Supreme Court to improve communication and prevent unauthorized legal practice.
In addition, a committee has been tasked with developing standardized formats for legal briefs submitted to the Court.
“The format is expected to reflect a precise, standardized method of writing for the Supreme Court, in line with international best practice,” Gbeisay said.
Expanding access to justice
The judiciary also reported the appointment of additional judges to sexual-offense and debt courts in counties including Lofa and Grand Gedeh to strengthen access to justice across the country.
Gbeisay urged law school graduates to serve outside the capital, emphasizing the need for legal professionals across Liberia.
“Monrovia is not Liberia,” he said.
Upholding rule of law
Concluding his remarks, the Chief Justice called on all branches of government and citizens to respect the law and uphold the dignity of public discourse.
“Something has to be done to bring our people to civility,” he said, noting that the judiciary remains ready to enforce the law whenever necessary.
“With these brief remarks, we hereby declare the March A.D. 2026 Term of the Honorable Supreme Court of Liberia open.”
The ceremony formally marked the start of the Supreme Court’s new judicial term as the country’s highest court continues to adjudicate constitutional and legal matters across the nation.
