The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has criticized the Supreme Court of Liberia for issuing what it described as ambiguous rulings that could undermine public trust and threaten national stability.
LNBA President Cllr. Bono Varmah raised these concerns on Monday, March 10, 2025, during his response to the charge delivered by outgoing Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh at the official opening of the Supreme Court’s March Term of Court.
Cllr. Varmah stressed that the Supreme Court must ensure its decisions are clear and comprehensive to avoid public confusion and erosion of confidence in the judiciary. He argued that greater transparency in judicial rulings is essential for maintaining public trust.
“We believe that transparency and clarity in judicial decisions are vital for maintaining public trust and confidence in our legal system,” Cllr. Varmah said.
While acknowledging the Supreme Court’s constitutional authority to interpret the law, the LNBA urged the judiciary to ensure that its decisions are easily understood by the public. The association also highlighted the Judiciary Law’s mandate requiring the Supreme Court to oversee lower courts, reinforcing the judiciary’s duty to safeguard equal justice for all citizens.
One of the LNBA’s key concerns was the Supreme Court’s recent decision to withdraw public defense lawyers from magisterial courts, a move the association warned could deprive poor and vulnerable citizens of legal representation.
“Removing public defenders from these courts puts unrepresented individuals at a severe disadvantage,” Cllr. Varmah stated. “Every accused person, regardless of their financial status, deserves a fair trial and legal representation, as enshrined in our laws and international commitments.”
The LNBA called for urgent dialogue among the judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, and other legal stakeholders to find sustainable solutions that ensure legal representation in magisterial courts. Cllr. Varmah also recommended strengthening pro-bono legal services to ease the financial burden on lawyers providing free legal assistance.
The association urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision on public defenders, warning that it risks violating Article 21(c) of the 1986 Constitution, which guarantees the right to legal representation for all Liberians.
Cllr. Varmah further called on the Supreme Court to hold magistrates accountable for their conduct and decisions, emphasizing the need for fairness, impartiality, and swift action against unethical behavior within the judiciary.
He concluded by reaffirming the LNBA’s commitment to working with all legal institutions to protect judicial independence and ensure access to justice for every Liberian.
