THE ECONOMY, SHORTLY after President George Manneh Weah took over in January 2018, entered a period of inflation due to the loss of the value of the Liberian dollar against the United States dollar, which posed a great economic and social challenge for the Liberian people. The corresponding scandal involving the printing of L$16 billion did nothing to help the Liberian people face the difficulties of surviving on very low purchasing power. The Judiciary, the nerve center of justice, law, order and, consequently, stability is not oblivious to the judicial-economic needs of the Liberian people. The Judiciary is responding appropriately.
ON TODAY, JUNE 7, 2021, the Judiciary kicks off a week-long National Judicial Conference, “The Law, Public Policy and Economy”, at the Ministerial Complex, Congo Town. “This year’s conference will focus on critical legal and public policy issues and their impact, be they positive or negative, on the economy of Liberia, taking into consideration the global dynamics and changes in our world today. Law, public policy and economics, to a large extent, are the nerve center of peace, security and prosperity in any nation. Laws crafted must be able to shape public policy and political decisions and by extension provide equitable economic freedom to all; hence, this year’s conference will also discuss the role of public policy in addressing societal issues confronting ordinary citizens,” a release from the Judiciary stated.
THE CONFERENCE WILL allow the Judiciary to play a significant role in business climate reforms by examining and, where necessary, reforming rules and legal processes and procedures that will increase the confidence of potential investors and existing businesses, as well as improve the ease of doing business in Liberia. The national conference brings together Justices of the Supreme Court, judges, magistrates and lawyers as well as local and international participants with diverse professional backgrounds that encapsulate the broader spectrum of the society and the subject matters to be discussed.
ACCORDING TO THE Supreme Court, Part 1 of Rule 19 of the Revised Rules of the Supreme Court states that the Supreme Court shall hold a National Judicial Conference at least once every year to discuss pertinent legal issues relative to the administration of justice and come up with practicable solutions that take cognizance of the dynamic and progressive nature of the law, the prevailing nature of the law and the prevailing needs and conditions of the society.
THE LAST NATIONAL Judicial Conference was held from March 8—10, 2010, during the tenure of the late Chief Justice, His Honor Johnnie N. Lewis, with the current Chief Justice, His Honor Francis S. Korkpor, Sr. serving as Conference Chairman. “Building on the achievements of the past National Judicial Conferences, the Honorable Supreme Court anticipates that this National Judicial Conference 2021 will similarly discuss issues which pose challenges and, to some extent, impact the Judiciary in the administration of Justice within the Republic of Liberia,” the judicial release said.