Liberia’s new chief Justice Sie-A- G. Yuoh is recommending 100% female justices on the Supreme Court bench. According to Chief Justice Yuoh, her ascendency to the position of Chief Justice is the third time the Supreme Court had a woman serving as Chief Justice within 175 years of independence.
The new Chief Justice noted that only seven (7) women have been appointed and commissioned to serve as Associate Justices of the Supreme Court of Liberia, despite the fact that history will attest that since the Supreme Court’s founding in 1847, there have been ninety-one (91) Justices to grace the Bench.
The Liberian Chief Justice however said it is worth noting that out of the seven Associate justices, only three (3) have been elevated to the pinnacle of the Supreme Court to serve as Chief Justices.
Liberia’s first female Chief Justice Cllr. Frances Johnson-Morris (now Allison) who served from April-September, 1997, and Cllr. Gloria M. Musu Scott succeeded her honor, Frances Johnson Allison, from September 1997 to 2003.
Angie-Brooks Randolph, the first female Associate Justice, Felecia V. Coleman, Gladys Johnson, and Jamesetta Howard-Wolokollie, who is still on the bench, are the other four Associate Justices who also adorned the Bench with unparalleled qualifications while maintaining their femininity, beauty, and skills.
“If we do not acknowledge our friendly Government and international allies through their emissaries who are present here with us, the Supreme Court will be negligent. We value your steadfast support as we work to advance Liberia’s legal system and justice systems. Your dedication is highly commendable, and we want to reassure you that this Bench is prepared to work with you in this regard going forward”.
Chief justice described the opening of the October Term of the Court as iconic because this is the third time the Supreme Court will have a woman serving as Chief Justice within 175 years of independence.
“This October A.D. 2022 term of court is iconic because it is the third time the Supreme Court will have a woman serving as Chief Justice within 175 years of independence”.
Justice Yuoh said the above data prove that Liberia’s legal profession is still male-dominated. She however urged female lawyers to put aside timidity and embrace confidence; strive for excellence and be assertive.
“I encourage our female lawyers to put aside timidity and embrace confidence; strive for excellence and be assertive”.
The New Chief Justice added that the basis of these qualities should be a strong education and legal knowledge in order to strike a balance or, at the very least, to outperform their male counterparts to the extent that all five Justices will be women, and that the majority of the Counselors present at the Supreme Court’s opening will be female lawyers.
Reported by: G. Watson Richards
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Email: richardswatson96@gmail.com
