By Hogkins D. Tokpah
Grand Bassa County ~ The absence of public defense lawyers in rural magisterial courts is undermining the fairness of criminal trials and placing undue strain on legal proceedings, according to City Solicitor Counsel D. Emmanuel Meezoe.
In an exclusive interview with Verity News, Counsel Meezoe raised alarm over what he described as a growing legal imbalance in the region’s lower courts, where defendants are often forced to face criminal charges without legal representation.
“In such cases, I have to liaise with the magistrate as the other party being sued does not have representation,” said Meezoe. “As a seasoned lawyer, I cannot ethically go against a man who is sued and does not have the legal knowledge to effectively defend themselves in a criminal charge.”
Counsel Meezoe emphasized that the situation not only jeopardizes the rights of defendants but also compromises the integrity of the judicial process. The lack of defense lawyers, he said, creates an uneven legal playing field and increases the risk of unjust outcomes in criminal proceedings.
Impact on the Prosecution
The City Solicitor also expressed concern about how the situation is affecting his own capacity to prosecute cases effectively.
“The absence of a defense lawyer is making me very weak in my role as a city solicitor,” Meezoe stated. “It is putting me at a significant disadvantage and could have a long-lasting negative impact on my ability to carry out my duties effectively in the future.”
While the City Solicitor is responsible for prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the state, he emphasized that justice must be balanced ~ and that requires both sides being equally represented.
Call for Reform
Meezoe’s remarks come amid ongoing calls for judicial reform and greater access to legal services in rural Liberia. Legal aid and public defense remain largely unavailable in many magisterial courts outside of Monrovia and other urban areas, leaving many defendants vulnerable.
He stressed the need for immediate policy attention to address the gap in legal representation and ensure that rural courts operate with fairness, professionalism, and adherence to constitutional rights.
“Justice must not only be done but must be seen to be done,” Meezoe concluded. “Without defense counsel, that principle is in serious jeopardy.”
It remains unclear what immediate steps will be taken to address the shortage of defense attorneys in rural Liberia, but the City Solicitor’s comments have added new urgency to the national conversation around equitable access to justice.
