The February Term of Court A.D. 2026 for the First Judicial Circuit officially opened with a strong call for the reinforcement of the rule of law, professional responsibility, and institutional accountability, delivered by Her Honor Judge Mameita Jabateh-Sirleaf, Assigned Circuit Judge of Criminal Court ‘B’ for Montserrado County.
Delivering the charge on Monday, February 9, 2026, Judge Jabateh-Sirleaf emphasized that the rule of law remains the cornerstone of Liberia’s constitutional democracy.
“The rule of law in Liberia is a fundamental principle that ensures all individuals, including government officials and lawmakers, are subject to the law.
It is rooted in the belief that the law must be applied equally, regardless of status or position,” Judge Jabateh-Sirleaf said.
The opening ceremony was attended by members of the National Association of Trial Judges of Liberia, the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), the Montserrado County Bar Association, the Prosecutors Association of Liberia, the Public Defender Association, members of the media, and other stakeholders in the justice sector.
Judge Jabateh-Sirleaf noted that lawyers occupy a unique and powerful position in society, serving not only as advocates for clients but also as defenders of constitutional order and human rights.
“Lawyers are guardians of the rule of law. They act on behalf of their clients, advise them, and represent them in court to ensure that their rights are protected and that justice is fairly administered,” she stated.
She stressed that effective performance of these responsibilities requires continuous legal education and professional development, calling on the Liberian government to increase budgetary support to the judiciary.
“We are urging the government to increase the judiciary’s budgetary allocation so that more training initiatives can be provided for lawyers,” Judge Jabateh-Sirleaf said, adding that a strong and competent legal profession is essential to national development and stability.
Highlighting the role of professional bodies, Judge Jabateh-Sirleaf commended the Liberian National Bar Association for its ongoing efforts to strengthen the legal profession and promote justice, accountability, and good governance.
Beyond the legal sector, the judge also addressed issues of gender inclusion and institutional reform, particularly within the security sector. She praised the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) for progress made in promoting women’s participation and addressing gender-related challenges.
“I commend the AFL for the progress made thus far in promoting women’s participation and addressing gender issues within the institution. However, sustaining this progress requires deliberate investment in recruitment, retention, promotion, training, and the creation of safe and enabling environments free from discrimination, harassment, and abuse.”
Judge Jabateh-Sirleaf further emphasized that gender inclusion must be reflected in measurable actions and accountability mechanisms, not merely policy statements.
“As Liberia advances its national, regional, and international commitments, the AFL has a critical role to play in setting standards for inclusive leadership and gender-responsive security-sector governance,” she said.
She called for sustained collaboration among the AFL, UN Women, government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to fully embed gender inclusion within security-sector governance and practice.
Concluding her address, Judge Jabateh-Sirleaf thanked the Armed Forces of Liberia, UN Women, and all partners for their commitment to building “a professional, inclusive, and people-centered security sector for Liberia,” and officially ushered in the February Term of Court.
