Monrovia, Liberia–At the formal opening of the May Term of Criminal Assizes Court A, B, C, and D in Monrovia, Resident Circuit Judge of criminal Court ‘A’ Roosevelt Z. Willie delivered a powerful and reflective charge, questioning whether Liberia’s legal system has truly evolved from the deeply rooted failures of its past.
Addressing an audience of legal practitioners, government officials, and prospective jurors, Judge Willie cited the enduring legacy of judicial dysfunction identified in a 2006 report by the International Crisis Group.
The report highlighted systemic corruption across the judiciary, police, and correctional institutions, factors that contributed to Liberia’s devastating 14-year civil conflict which claimed the lives of over 250,000 citizens.
Judge Willie called for a renewed commitment to justice, transparency, and accountability within the judiciary.
He referenced an era plagued by underpaid and under-qualified judicial officers, politically manipulated rulings, and overcrowded detention centers, conditions which, he said, continue to threaten public confidence in the rule of law.
“Have we truly learned from the mistakes of our past?” the judge asked. “Or are we simply maintaining a fragile façade of reform while the foundations of justice remain weak,” Judge Willie questioned?
Also speaking at the ceremony was Massa Jallabah, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of Justice.
She acknowledged ongoing challenges but emphasized collaborative efforts between the executive and judicial branches to revise Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Code.
Minister Jallabah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to systemic reforms aimed at ensuring greater transparency and institutional efficiency.
“We are making strides, but there is more to do,” she said.
According to Deputy Minister Jallabah, the integrity of the justice system is the cornerstone of national peace and development.
“The integrity of our justice system is the cornerstone of national peace and development,” she added.
The opening of the court term served as both a solemn reflection and a renewed call to action, as Liberia continues its efforts to build a more just and accountable society two decades after the end of its civil war.
