Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung wants the Judiciary to uphold accountability as International judges brainstorm on dispensing justice in new information age
Vice President Young stressed that the accountability of the judiciary in dispensing justice remains consequential to maintaining a government that works in the interest of its people,
At the opening of the African Regional Group Meeting and International Conference of International Judges, held at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on Monday, May 6, 2024, VP Koung said for this to be achieved, judges tasked with the responsibility of dispensing justice must strike to ensure that it is administered fairly in upholding the rule of law.
This, according to him, should consider reality that execution of the principles which underpin the rule of law, must ensure access to an independent judiciary that guarantees the protection of the rights of all in keeping with law.
“Where the rule of law is not upheld, it breeds discontent which in turn, may lead to disruption and instability. It follows, that your role as Judges, remains critical to the functioning of a society, particularly in this new information age,” VP Koung noted.
He pointed out that Liberia under the Boakai Administration is eager to support the Judiciary to safeguard adherence to the rule of law and the equitable dispensation of justice.
VP Koung told participants at the conference that the new information age is crucial to the function of the Judiciary especially when the digital revolution has reached some of the most remote villages and enabled people to have access to information faster.
He believes that the new dispensation places a greater onus on the Judiciary not just in Liberia alone, but across Africa where the need to build institutions that promote equity, create opportunity and uplift nearly 1.5 billion people on the African Continent out of poverty.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Representative Michael Thomas wants the judiciary to have a reflection on the application of the judicial canon, citing the need for integrity to be upheld by judges.
Representative Thomas asserted that the Integrity of the Judge places a cloud on the credibility of the court and therefore, judges presiding must be reliable in representing the interest of the court.
Thomas disclosed that there is an official complaint before the Legislature on the Jessica Lloyd case.
He did not state when the Legislature is expected to look into said complaint, but, recently some media institution gathered that a group of women petitioned Bong County Representative Moima Briggs Mensah for the impeachment of Criminal Court B. Judge Nelson Chineh.
The petition comes following the final judgment in the Jessica Lloyd case that rendered a not-guilty verdict in favor of Lucas Richards.
Meanwhile, Trial Judges of Liberia President, Nancy Sammy noted that the conference will enable judges in Liberia and across the world to huddle on sharing ideas on possible ways of dispensing justice in the new information age.
Judge Sammy lauded guests for forming a part of the gathering, which she said would bring out better ideas for their service.
