The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, His Honor Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, has officially inducted twelve new magistrates assigned to various courts across twelve counties, emphasizing the importance of integrity, professionalism, and commitment within the judiciary.
Speaking during the induction ceremony on Tuesday, Chief Justice Gbeisay reminded the new magistrates that their positions come with great responsibility and public scrutiny.
“You must remain as sober as a judge,” Chief Justice Gbeisay urged. “Society now views you differently. You must conduct yourselves with integrity and responsibility because your judgments should promote and protect peace, justice, equity, and fairness in our society.”
The Chief Justice further highlighted the judiciary’s crucial role in attracting foreign investment, noting that the credibility of the courts often shapes investors’ perceptions of the country.
“Investors look at the credibility of a country’s judiciary before investing. That makes your role far from ordinary,” he stated.
He encouraged the magistrates to view their new assignments as the foundation of their professional journeys.
“The first job a person does often defines their future path,” Gbeisay noted. “How you carry out your duties will determine your professional growth. The law begins with you, so demonstrate good conduct in your service.”
Chief Justice Gbeisay also commended the new magistrates and reaffirmed his commitment to working closely with them, emphasizing that his administration will uphold high standards of discipline and accountability within the judiciary.
“The Gbeisay Bench is a bench of discipline and commitment,” he affirmed.
At the same time, the Chief Justice expressed concern over issues of punctuality and accountability among some judicial officers.
“We have judges who do not report to work on time,” he lamented. “But we are putting measures in place to address this as part of our ongoing reforms.”
Speaking on behalf of the newly inducted magistrates, Cllr. Adolphus Taylor, Stipendiary Magistrate, expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for the confidence reposed in them.
“We are deeply honored by this privilege and opportunity,” Cllr. Taylor said. “We assure the Chief Justice and the Liberian people of our full commitment to upholding the rule of law and administering justice fairly and impartially.”
The induction ceremony marks another significant step in Chief Justice Gbeisay’s judicial reform efforts, aimed at restoring discipline, transparency, and public trust in Liberia’s justice system.
