MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh of the Supreme Court of Liberia emphasized the importance of responsible media reporting, particularly in democratic societies, to disseminate factual information from reliable sources. She highlighted the role of the media in shaping public perception of justice in the modern information age.
Speaking at the opening of the five-day annual meeting of the African Regional Group of the International Association of Judges (IAJ) at the Ellen John Sirleaf Ministerial Complex in Congo Town on Monday, May 6, 2024, Chief Justice Yuoh stressed the need for media content to be well-researched and reflective of actual events, rather than focusing on sensationalism or personal agendas.
Her speech, titled “The Impact of the Media on the Public’s Perception of Justice in the New Information Age,” was part of the conference theme, “The Judiciary in Contemporary Times; Dispensing Justice in the New Information Age.”
Chief Justice Yuoh noted that in the modern information age, the media plays a significant role in shaping public perception of justice in all nations, regardless of their level of development. She emphasized that the media, including print, broadcast, and internet platforms, should primarily inform, educate, and entertain.
Reflecting on the history of media from the invention of the printing press to the rise of digital platforms, Chief Justice Yuoh acknowledged the media’s powerful influence on daily life, including the practice of law and the justice system. She recognized the positive impact of mass media in enhancing public awareness, transparency, and accountability in the justice system.
However, Chief Justice Yuoh cautioned against the negative effects of sensationalism and misinformation, noting that some media practitioners prioritize fame and profit over accurate reporting. She highlighted the damaging impact of inaccurate reporting on public confidence in the rule of law and the justice system.
In conclusion, Chief Justice Yuoh commended the organizers of the conference and expressed appreciation to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for supporting the event. She emphasized the importance of responsible journalism in upholding the integrity of the justice system and called for greater oversight of media platforms to ensure accurate and ethical reporting.
