spot_imgspot_img
Sunday, March 16, 2025

LNBA PRESIDENT CHALLENGES SUPREME COURT ON ACCESS TO JUSTICE FOR THE POOR

Date:

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The President of the Liberian National Bar Association (LNBA), Cllr. Bornor M. Varmah, has raised serious concerns over the Supreme Court’s recent decision to withdraw public defense lawyers from magisterial courts, warning that the move could severely undermine access to justice for Liberia’s most vulnerable citizens.

Speaking at the opening of the Supreme Court’s March Term, Cllr. Varmah acknowledged the leadership of Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh for maintaining the integrity of the judiciary. However, he emphasized that the removal of public defenders from magisterial courts disproportionately affects the poor, who often rely on legal aid when facing charges.

“Magisterial courts are the first point of contact for ordinary Liberians seeking justice. Removing public defenders from these courts creates an imbalance and places unrepresented individuals at a severe disadvantage,” Cllr. Varmah stated. He argued that while the judiciary may have legitimate concerns prompting the decision, the solution should not come at the expense of those who need legal representation the most.

The LNBA President called for an urgent stakeholder dialogue involving the Judiciary, the Ministry of Justice, the LNBA, and other legal actors to find a sustainable solution. He urged the Supreme Court to reconsider its position and explore alternative ways to address its concerns without effectively denying legal aid to the poor. He also advocated for strengthening pro bono legal services, noting that while the LNBA has long promoted free legal representation, institutional support from the government is crucial to ensure that lawyers can continue to serve indigent clients without financial hardship.

Cllr. Varmah reaffirmed the LNBA’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is accessible to all, regardless of financial status. As Liberia prepares for a new Chief Justice following the upcoming retirement of Chief Justice Yuoh, he urged collaboration with President Joseph Boakai in appointing a leader who will prioritize judicial independence, legal ethics, and the protection of human rights.

While commending the Supreme Court for its efforts in clearing case backlogs and strengthening the judiciary, Cllr. Varmah stressed that no reform should come at the cost of denying justice to those who cannot afford it.

smartnews
Smart News Liberia is an online news outlet and a product of Smart Media Group Inc. Our website, smartnewsliberia.com, covers a broad spectrum of news content. For inquiries or information, you can reach us at 0777425285 or 0886946925, or email us at smartnewsliberia@gmail.com or info@smartnewsliberia.com.

LATEST DEVELOPMENT

CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION AFTER KUGMEH ACCUSES ELWA HOSPITAL OF MEDICAL NEGLIGENCE

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Pressure is mounting on ELWA Hospital...

LIBERIA HAS 60 DAYS TO AVOID US VISA RESTRICTIONS

MONROVIA – Liberia could face U.S. visa restrictions if...

BOAKAI AND GHANAIAN SPEAKER DISCUSS PARLIAMENTARY COOPERATION AND REGIONAL SECURITY

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Friday,...

MCGILL SOUNDS ALARM OVER MISSING $200 MILLION IN AGRICULTURE FUNDS

MONROVIA, LIBERIA – Mounting allegations of fund mismanagement in two...

LIBERIA’S STRUGGLE FOR CHANGE CAN BOAKAI’S PROMISES OVERCOME DECADES OF UNFULFILLED REFORMS

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s message to his Cabinet during...

PRIORITIZING PRAGMATISM IN A RESOURCE-CONSTRAINED LIBERIA

In a country where the reality of fiscal scarcity...

A GROWING EMBARRASSMENT TO LIBERIA’S DEMOCRACY

The recent actions of the House of Representatives in...

400 OFFICIALS SUSPENDED, BUT WILL BOAKAI ENFORCE REAL ACCOUNTABILITY?

President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s decision to suspend over 400...

COMMENTARY

WHY FOLLOW A PR STRATEGY TO OVERCOME CRISES AND MAINTAIN BRAND VISIBILITY

Courtesy of Martin Blayon, an experienced Public Relations Specialist Misinformation...

THE LASTING LEGACY OF PRINCE JOHNSON’S DEATH AND THE PATH FORWARD FOR LIBERIA

By Lyndon J. Ponnie, Sr. The passing of former Liberian...

PRES. BOAKAI’S LACK OF LEADERSHIP AND LIBERIA’S POLITICAL CRISIS

-A Commentary Joseph Boakai's failure to lead has once again...

THE MASS DISMISSAL OF LIBERIAN PUBLIC SERVANTS: A TROUBLING TREND UNDER THE BOAKAI ADMINISTRATION

A Commentary by Wondah L. Jah Since assuming the presidency,...

LATEST NEWS

FOREIGN MINISTER NYANTI AND PRES. BOAKAI ARE HIDING $25 MILLION NEKOTECH DUBIOUS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

Former Assistant Minister for Information Services, Matthew Nyanplu, has...

GOL SECURES $80 MILLION FROM WORLD BANK TO BOOST GOVERNANCE AND ELECTRICITY SECTOR

MONROVIA – The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry...

Share post:

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

OPINION

HOR IN UPROAR AS EMBATTLED SPEAKER KOFFA’S INFLUENCE EXPOSES GOVERNANCE CHALLENGES

By Socrates Smythe Saywon, Sr. Liberia’s political scene is currently...

LIBERIANS ARE IN AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UP AND CDC

  An Opinion By Grace RK Guar Every six...

AMERICA’S NEGLECT OF LIBERIA: A CALL FOR CHANGE

An Opinion By Bishop Dr. Rudolph Q. Kwanue, Sr A...

AMID AN UNENDING WAR AGAINST POVERTY, INJUSTICES – HAS THE PROGRESSIVE STRUGGLE BECOME LOST IN TRANSLATION?

A Patriot's Diary With Ekena Wesley What manner of Liberian progressives...

THE GALLERY

spot_imgspot_img

MORE ARTICLES

spot_imgspot_img

MORE NEWS

LATEST DEVELOPMENT NEWS

LATEST CRIME NEWS

Share via
Copy link