Judge Roosevelt Willie Receives Prestigious Honour In New Jersey For His Unwavering Commitment To Justice, Peace, Integrity In Leadership
PHOTO: Judge Roosevelt z. Willie with his newly received prestitious US Award
Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie is based at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, where he serves as Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “A” of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County. Criminal Court “A” handles Liberia’s most serious criminal cases, including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, arson and other major felonies.
By Abraham K. Kollie, Email: kollieabraham23@gmail.com
Assigned Circuit Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit and Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “A” of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County, His Honor Roosevelt Z. Willie, has been given the prestigious America’s 250 International Judicial Excellence Award in the United States.
The Award was conferred on Judge Willie on Saturday, September 12, 2026, in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, as part of activities marking the 250th anniversary of the United States of America 250 years since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.
Judge Willie, who is currently presiding over the August Term of Court at the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County, was nominated for the award by the International Stop the Violence Alliance, Inc. (ISTVA)/ This is a U.S. based organization that promotes peace, violence prevention, and improved relations between communities and law enforcement.
AWARD FOR JUSTICE AND INTEGRITY
According to an official communication from ISTVA to Judge Willie, the honor recognizes his unwavering commitment to justice, peace, integrity in leadership, family values, and efforts to build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
In his application and acceptance communication to the organization, Judge Willie reaffirmed his judicial philosophy and commitment to the rule of law.
“I am deeply humbled and honored by this recognition. As a judge, my duty has always been to dispense justice without fear or favor, to uphold the Constitution of Liberia, and to ensure that every citizen and other nationals within the borders of Liberia, regardless of status, has access to a fair and impartial hearing,” Judge Willie stated.
“This award is not for me alone, but for the Liberian Judiciary and for all Judicial officers and the people of Liberia who continue to work under difficult conditions to promote peace, protect rights, and strengthen public trust in the justice system. I dedicate this honor to the cause of non-violence and to building bridges between the law and the people it serves.”
He further told ISTVA that his work on the bench is guided by the principle that justice is the foundation of lasting peace.
“Without justice, there can be no genuine peace. Without integrity on the bench, there can be no public confidence.” May we hasten to note that this is not Judge Willie first time getting an Award from the United States of America. In 2016, The Robert Hughes Award of Leadership was conferred on him by his Almater, The University of San Diego.
WHO IS JUDGE WILLIE?
Judge Roosevelt Z. Willie is based at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia, where he serves as Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court “A” of the First Judicial Circuit, Montserrado County. Criminal Court “A” handles Liberia’s most serious criminal cases, including murder, manslaughter, kidnapping, arson and other major felonies.
Judicial records show Judge Willie has served continuously during several court terms, including 2024, 2025 and 2026, presiding over several high-profile criminal cases.
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION FOR LIBERIA
The international recognition places a spotlight on Liberia’s Judiciary at a time when public confidence in the justice system remains a critical national issue.
ISTVA, which selected Judge Willie, was founded in 1991 by Dr. Stephné R. Coneyin Camden, New Jersey. The organization has since developed global programs focused on nonviolence, youth development, education, community engagement, and law enforcement-community relations.
The September 12 ceremony in Cherry Hill also honored First Responders who are still alive and those who lost their lives during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States, coming just one day after the 25th anniversary of the attacks.
For Judge Willie, the award marks another milestone in his years of service on the bench. For Liberia, it places one of its judicial officers on an international stage, highlighting the importance of justice, integrity and public trust in the work of Judges.