Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “A” of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County, Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie, is expected to receive the “America’s 250 International Judicial Excellence Award” in the United States on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
Judge Willie, who is currently 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 be held in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, as part of activities marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
For Judge Willie, the award comes as recognition of 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.
The court handles serious criminal cases, including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, arson and other major offenses.
He has served as Resident Judge of Criminal Court “A” for several years and has presided over a number of high-profile criminal cases.
Records of the Liberian Judiciary show that he has continued to serve in the position during several court terms, including 2024, 2025 and 2026.
His work on the bench has made him one of the judges handling some of the country’s most serious criminal matters.
The international recognition also brings attention to Liberia’s Judiciary and the work of judicial officers who are responsible for applying the law and protecting the rights of citizens.
The award comes at a time when public confidence in the justice system remains an important issue in Liberia. Judges are expected to handle cases fairly, independently and according to the law.
The recognition of a Liberian judge for his work in justice and public service is therefore significant beyond the individual award.
It also highlights the role of the Judiciary in upholding the rule of law and maintaining public trust.
The International Stop the Violence Alliance, which selected Judge Willie, has worked for several years on issues related to 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, in response to violence affecting her community.
Since then, the organization has developed programs involving nonviolence, youth development, education, community engagement and efforts to improve relations between law enforcement and the public.
ISTVA works with public officials, law enforcement agencies, young people and community organizations and has recognized individuals for leadership, public service and contributions to peace.
The 2026 ceremony is also being held during an important year in U.S. history. This year marks 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776.
Events are being held across the United States to mark the anniversary and recognize American history, democracy, service and community leadership.
The September 12 ceremony in Cherry Hill is expected to bring together community and international leaders, law enforcement officers, educators and others as part of the America’s 250 celebrations.
The event is also expected to recognize first responders who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States.
The ceremony will take place one day after the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, adding another important element to the event.
Judge Willie’s recognition comes as Liberia continues to work on strengthening its justice institutions and promoting accountability and the rule of law.
For the judge, the award marks another moment in his years of service on the bench.
For Liberia, it provides an opportunity for one of the country’s judicial officers to be recognized on an international stage.
The award is expected to bring attention to the importance of justice, integrity and public trust in the work of judges and other judicial officers.
As Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie prepares to receive the honor in New Jersey, the recognition stands as a personal achievement while also highlighting the wider responsibility of Liberia’s Judiciary to administer justice fairly and uphold the rule of law.
