Monrovia City Court Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco has jailed former Assistant Minister of Public Works, Attorney J. Jefferson Chesson, for two days at the Monrovia Central Prison for contempt of court.
Magistrate Barco handed down the ruling on Wednesday following contempt proceedings arising from comments Chesson made about a pending case and the presiding magistrate during an appearance on the Spoon Talk Show.
According to the court’s ruling, Chesson had been informed of a writ of arrest connected to a case before the court but later appeared on the talk show, where he discussed the matter and commented on the magistrate.
The court said Chesson’s remarks suggested that the magistrate was biased and taking sides.
It said the comments undermined the authority and dignity of the court and brought the judiciary into public ridicule.
In its ruling, the court cited Chapter 12 of the New Judiciary Law, which gives courts the power to punish “disorderly, contemptuous or insolent behavior” that interferes with court proceedings or undermines respect for judicial authority.
The court also cited article 15 of the Liberian Constitution, which protects freedom of expression while recognizing responsibilities attached to its exercise.
Magistrate Barco further relied on Supreme Court precedent, including In Re Wolo, which recognizes the heightened responsibility of lawyers, as officers of the court, to respect and protect the dignity of the judiciary.
The court said Chesson’s statements were made while the matter was still pending and therefore amounted to a violation of the sub judice principle.
The magistrate also rejected the argument that requiring Chesson to appear before the court was an indication of bias.
“Calling a criminal defendant—even one who is a lawyer—to appear in court is a lawful and impartial act,” the ruling stated.
Magistrate Barco said requiring defendants to appear and answer to criminal allegations is part of the court’s normal judicial responsibility.
Chesson’s lawyers, Attorney Samora P.Z. Wolokolie and Counsellor Garrison D. Yealue, pleaded for leniency, citing their client’s remorse, lack of a previous contempt record and the isolated nature of the incident.
The court acknowledged the mitigating circumstances but concluded that they did not outweigh the seriousness of Chesson’s conduct.
“The Supreme Court has consistently held that contempt is not merely about disrespect to the judge but about safeguarding the integrity of the judicial process,” the ruling said.
The court subsequently found Chesson guilty of contempt and sentenced him to two days in prison.
Defense counsel excepted to the ruling and indicated that they would pursue the legal remedies available to their client.
The ruling was signed and sealed by Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barto of the Monrovia City Magisterial Court.
