PHOTO: Cllr. Michael Wilkins Write, former Associate Justice
By Garmah Never Lomo, garmahlomo@gmail.com
TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, Monrovia- As Supreme Court Associate Justice designate, Judge Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay awaits Liberian Senate confirmation, a former Associate Justice, Cllr. Michael Wilkins Wright has been cautioning him to “distinguish” himself from other members of the Supreme Court bench.
Justice Wright gave the caution today, Monday, September 19, 2022 during the opening of the September term of the Civil Law Courts ‘A’ and ‘B’.
The former Associate Justice’ remarks sparked various interpretations by lawyers and others who attended the Sixth Judicial Civil Law opening as to why Judge Gbeisay, if confirmed, should be different from those who are already members of the Supreme Court bench.
Judge Gbeisay
“Are they corrupt or what? Or do they decide cases based on sentiment or interest?” some wondered.
Yet others asked: “Why he wants Judge Gbeisay distinguish himself from others or what has he observed over the years?”
“Be a team player on the bench and don’t be shallow by the team Cllr. Wright told Judge Gbeisay”.
In his statement, former Associate Justice Wright asserted: “I trust your ability because you have court room control besides being a practicing lawyer or judge and I’m calling on the Liberian senate to confirm to make the different on the bench.”
Cllr. Wright further told Judge Gbeisay to continue executing his mandate at the Civil law court until he is called for confirmation, rather than what he called jumping the gun.
Delivering the charge on behalf of both Civil law Court A and B, Judge Gbeisay used the occasion to thank and bid farewell to outgoing Chief Justice Francis S. Korkpor for his immense services to Liberia as he retires.
Judge Gbeisay said, “as the Chief Justice Korkpor retires back to the Bar, Mr. Chief Justice we hope and pray that your fountain of knowledge as an experienced lawyer and the longest serving justice of the Supreme Court in our nation’s history will remain available to the judiciary and the bar for consultation and guidance.”
The prospective Supreme Court Associate Justice reminded lawyers that the sole object of the legal profession is to administer justice, “whether as a judge or a lawyer, our common goal in litigation is to find the truth, reward the party who is in the right and penalized the party in the wrong.”
He added that the overall objective is peace and harmony in the society, because without peace, life for mankind is meaningless.
“So let examine our cases and earnestly and frankly advise our clients if we believe that they don’t have cases and by doing so, you will not only make the legal profession Honorable and trustworthy but you will meaningfully contribute to the peace and tranquility which our nation desire now than ever before,” the current Judge of the Civil Law Court said.
Judge Gbeisay added: “Furthermore, he reminded lawyers of rule seven of the code of moral and ethics conduct of a lawyer which reads” the primary duty of a lawyer engaged in public prosecution is not to convict but to see that Justice is done. The suppression of facts or the secreting of witnesses capable of establishing the innocence of the accused is highly reprehensible and utterly unprofessional.”
For his part, Assistant Justice Minister for Litigation, Wesseh A. Wesseh has said that Ministry of Justice has limited jurisdiction when it comes to Civil litigation.
Cllr. Wesseh said his Ministry will ensure that all government agencies and ministries accused in civil cases will be brought under the jurisdiction of the court, in order to avoid the court being disrespected.
The Assistant Justice Minister also said that the issue of jury tempering is not only limited to Civil cases but to Criminal cases, as well and Justice Ministry will ensure that Justice will be administered to everyone within the confines of the law and not above the law.
Meanwhile, a veteran Liberian lawyer, Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull has called on the Executive branch of government to always consult the Bar before appointing any judge, because most judge has immoral problems.