Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “A” of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County, Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, has received the “America’s 250 International Judicial Excellence Award” in the United States on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Judge Willie, who is presiding over the August Term of Court at the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County, was nominated for the award by the International Stop the Violence Alliance, Inc. (ISTVA), a U.S.-based organization that promotes peace, violence prevention and better relations between communities and law enforcement.
According to a letter sent to Judge Willie, the award recognizes his commitment to justice, peace, integrity in leadership, family values and efforts to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
The award ceremony will take place in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, as part of activities marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
For Judge Willie, the honor recognizes his years of service on the Liberian bench and his work as a judicial officer.
Judge Willie is based at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, where he serves as Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “A” of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County.
Criminal Court “A” handles serious cases, including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, arson and other major offenses. Judge Willie has presided over several high-profile criminal cases during his years on the bench.
Records of the Liberian Judiciary show that he has continued to serve in the position during several court terms, including 2024, 2025 and 2026.
The international recognition also places attention on Liberia’s Judiciary and the work of judges responsible for applying the law and protecting the rights of citizens.
The award comes as public confidence in Liberia’s justice system remains an important issue. Judges are expected to handle cases fairly, independently and in accordance with the law.
The recognition of a Liberian judge for his work in justice and public service is significant beyond the individual honor, as it also highlights the role of the Judiciary in upholding the rule of law.
The International Stop the Violence Alliance, which selected Judge Willie, has worked on violence prevention, peace and community relations. The organization traces its beginnings to 1991, when its founder, Dr. Stephné R. Coney, started the movement in Camden, New Jersey.
ISTVA has since developed programs focused on nonviolence, youth development, education, community engagement and better relations between law enforcement and the public.
The 2026 ceremony is being held during the 250th anniversary year of the United States. The anniversary marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
The September 12 ceremony in Cherry Hill will also recognize first responders who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. The event comes one day after the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
Judge Willie’s recognition comes as Liberia continues efforts to strengthen its justice institutions, promote accountability and uphold the rule of law.
For the judge, the award marks another moment in his years of service on the bench. For Liberia, it places one of the country’s judicial officers on an international stage.
The honor also highlights the importance of justice, integrity and public trust in the work of judges and other judicial officers.
