The Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA), during its first National Assembly under the new leadership, headed by Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie, has assured the public that, in collaboration with the Supreme Court, it will continually dispense standard justice throughout the length and breadth of Liberia.
The LNBA, which was founded on February 4, 1907, is comprised of lawyers, judges and law students, and is regarded as an essential institution to guiding the direction for the rebuilding and maintenance of the nation’s legal framework.
The LNBA’s two-day assembly, held at the Ministerial Complex, Congo Town, brought together lawyers, judges, law students and counselors from the 15 fifteen counties. Its theme, “Strengthening the Rule of Law”, was addressed by His Honor, Francis S. Korkpor, Sr., Chief Justice, Supreme Court of Liberia.
On Saturday morning, members of the Bar marched from the St. Joseph Catholic Hospital’s intersection to the Ministerial Complex.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Korkpor said the rule of law is the restriction of the arbitrary exercise of power by subordinating it to well-defined and established laws. “The rule of law is the best security any nation can have—it raises the philosophy that everyone is equal and accountable to the law,” Justice Korkpor said.
The Chief Justice recalled that, over the years, especially since his ascendancy as Chief Justice of Supreme Court, head of the Judiciary, there has been a smooth collaboration between the bar and the Judiciary.
“The bar advocates and the bench administers the law,” His Honor Korkpor said, assuring the unbending unity between both parties.
Unity is a strong tower a nation or an organization can build that cannot be easily penetrated by outsiders. The bar is one of the strongest arms of Liberia’s jurisprudence, which the citizens depend on to get justice. It is an independent, ethical and improved Judiciary and legal education system in which access to justice can be effectively managed in order to benefit all Liberians.
“The bar plays a pivotal role in the Judiciary,” Chief Justice Korkpor said, recognizing the significant role of the bar in Liberia. “The Bar and the Bench need to work together so that what one cannot do the other will do.
“The Bar and the Bench can move mountains in strengthening the rule of law in our country,” he added.
With the huge number of pre-detainees in prison nationwide and the unethical practice of law by unlicensed lawyers in Magisterial Court, the bar recommended to the Supreme Court the construction of annexes and the enforcement of license issuance to lawyers by the Justice Ministry before practicing, among others.
During the Bar’s National Assembly, which is an annual event, three counselors were selected to address a topic each, in fulfillment of the Continuing Legal Education (CLE) segment of the event. Accordingly, the CLE broadens the knowledge and skills of lawyers in order to maintain the requisite professional competence necessary to fulfill their professional responsibilities to practice law in the Republic of Liberia.
Cllr. Benedict F. Sannoh, former Justice Minister of Liberia, who spoke on the topic, “Trial Advocacy and Trial Techniques”, said the courtroom is an arena where lawyers must have appropriate education to perform.
Trial Advocacy, he said, is the branch of knowledge concerned with making attorneys and other advocates more effective in trial proceeding. It is also an essential skill for litigators.
Also, former Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Cllr. Kabineh M. Ja’neh, who spoke on the topic, “Enforcement of Mandates, Judgments: Challenges, Gaps and Effects”, said delay in justice dispensation is not exceptional—justice should be served without delay and denial.
He said the Supreme Court’s opinion on cases has been clear, but in Brownie Samukai’s case it was hanging, leaving lawyers and the public in doubt as to how to interpret the ruling.
“There is a need for the Constitution to be changed because execution is an act of benevolence of the Executive’s eye,” he said. “For instance, if the Justice Minister, who is appointed by the Executive, is in the wrong, who will carry the warrant to him—the Marshall or the Sheriff? If he says he is not coming, what would you do to him? Nothing!
“The Supreme Court issued a jail mandate but the person is still walking around here,” he said, indicating how the Executive influences the Judiciary system of Liberia.
Closing the CLE presentation on the topic, “The Importance of Legal Writing in the Legal Profession”, Cllr. Negbalee Warner, Dean, Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law, University of Liberia, said, “Lawyers are paid for oral argument and legal writing.
“Legal writing must be structured. The purpose for legal writing is, you can restate some of your claim, set forth administrative decision and write to public conduct,” Cllr. Warner said, warning lawyers to well-structure legal documents and stop beating around the bush.
Speaking, the LNBA National President, Cllr. Rennie, said his leadership will work with the Supreme Court Bench to continually foster standard justice in Liberia’s jurisprudence.
“We will meet with the Executive and Legislature to discuss things pertaining to the rule of law,” Cllr. said.
He underscored that Bar members will cement relationship with the Supreme Court Bench to engage each other for the common good of the law.