Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. has issued a stern warning to lawyers accused of actions that compromise the integrity of the judicial system, declaring that the Supreme Court will no longer tolerate attacks on the judiciary, unethical conduct, or the misuse of technology to undermine justice.
Speaking at the opening of the Annual Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) Convention in Gompa City, the Chief Justice said Liberia’s legal community stands at a defining moment, one that demands strong ethical leadership, renewed commitment to the rule of law, and collective efforts to restore public trust.
Gbeisay acknowledged that public confidence in national institutions has been weakened by delays, improprieties, and past injustices but stressed that lawyers remain central to reversing this trend.
“Justice is not an abstract ideal engraved in marble; it is the living heartbeat of democracy. You, the guardians of equity, are uniquely positioned to restore that trust through the quiet heroism of daily practice,” he said.
He highlighted ongoing judicial reforms, including financial audits, performance monitoring systems, and dedicated channels for reporting corruption, as part of a “resolute war” on misconduct aimed at strengthening confidence in the courts.
Referencing the global “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, the Chief Justice warned that violence has expanded into the digital realm, where misinformation and cyber harassment increasingly target women, public institutions, and the judiciary.
“The Judiciary itself has not been spared,” he said. “Online violence, misinformation, and orchestrated attacks against judges strike at the very heart of judicial independence.”
He sharply criticized lawyers who leak court records, comment publicly on sub judice cases, or encourage clients to malign judges on social media. Such conduct, he warned, will face “swift and concrete actions.”
Chief Justice Gbeisay referenced the landmark Toe v. FrontPage Africa case, reaffirming that freedom of expression, though protected, cannot be used as a shield for defamation or calculated assaults on the integrity of the courts.
“Liberty must coexist with accountability,” he said.
He stressed that no individual, whether public official or private citizen, will be allowed to obstruct or intimidate the Supreme Court in its duty to dispense justice.
The Chief Justice urged the LNBA, AFELL, trial judges, and the broader legal community to recommit to ethical conduct and integrity. Lawyers, he said, must conduct themselves in ways that inspire public confidence.
“True strength emerges when we collectively uphold ethical standards that silence critics and inspire confidence,” he noted.
Addressing young attorneys, Gbeisay encouraged them to use technology responsibly, innovate, and engage communities in advancing justice. Senior Counsellors, he added, must guide attorneys through this period of reform and ensure that the Bar’s independence remains intact.
The Chief Justice expressed optimism that the convention would generate actionable ideas to strengthen the rule of law and deepen democratic governance.
“We can and will strengthen the rule of law, brick by unassailable brick-until public trust stands as tall and enduring as the ancient cotton trees of our homeland,” he declared.
He concluded by extending blessings to the Bar, the Judiciary, and the Republic of Liberia.
