MONROVIA – The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, Her Honor Sie-A-Nene G. Yuoh, expressed her disappointment and issued stern warnings following the poor attendance of judges, magistrates, and lawyers at the annual Law Day celebration on May 3, 2024. Chief Justice Yuoh criticized the absence of three Associate Justices of the Supreme Court, circuit judges, magistrates, and lawyers, labeling it as a display of disrespect to the Supreme Court and the rule of law.
The National Law Day, observed every May, aims to celebrate the rule of law and promote a deeper understanding of the legal profession within society. This year’s celebration, held under the theme “The Mechanism Leading to the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court,” saw low attendance despite the closure of all courts in accordance with the mandate of the Bar’s President and National Council.
Chief Justice Yuoh, in a statement, highlighted the significance of the day and emphasized the importance of honoring such occasions in a unified manner. She noted that despite the decision to close all courts for the celebration, the turnout was disappointing, describing it as disobedience to the rule of law.
In response to the poor attendance, Chief Justice Yuoh threatened to impose fines on all lawyers who were absent from the Law Day celebration, starting with her colleagues on the Bench. The Chief Justice’s remarks underscore the importance of upholding the rule of law and the judiciary’s role in ensuring its enforcement.
The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges faced in promoting legal awareness and professional solidarity within the legal community, highlighting the need for greater cooperation and commitment to the principles of justice and the rule of law.
It can be recalled that the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA) had issued a press release on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024, announcing the celebration of Law Day on Friday, May 3, 2024. The event was to be held under the theme, “The Mechanisms to Establish the War & Economic Crimes Court for Liberia”. The LNBA had anticipated the participation of various members of the legal community, including the Chief Justice, Associate Justices, counselors-at-law, attorneys-at-law, circuit and specialized court judges, magistrates, law students, and civil society organizations.
The LNBA emphasized that the Law Day celebration is a tribute to the legal system and serves as a national commitment to the principles of governance under the law. The 2024 Law Day event was scheduled for Friday, May 3, 2024, at the Paynesville City Hall, commencing at 10:00 a.m. A Law Day parade was also planned, starting from the ELWA intersection at 8:00 a.m., with a directive for lawyers across the country to participate.
According to the LNBA release, Law Day is an annual observance held on the first Friday of May. It is designated as a national day to honor the rule of law and to provide an opportunity for the public to understand how law and the legal process safeguard civil liberties, pursue justice, and contribute to the freedoms enjoyed in society. The day is intended to prompt reflection on the role of law in the nation’s foundation and to acknowledge its significance for society, fostering a deeper comprehension of the legal system. Law Day has been observed in the legal community for over 60 years, highlighting the vital roles of rule of law stakeholders in promoting democratic values.
