Monrovia, Liberia – Sie-A-Nyene G. Yuoh, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, cautioned magistrate courts to stay within the set deadlines for resolving matters. Speaking during the October 2024 A.D. Term of Court Opening on Monday, October 14, 2024, the Chief Justice said, the Supreme Court will put in place stringent monitoring systems to make sure magistrates follow the legal deadlines for cases.
Chief Justice Yuoh cautioned judges against habitually postponing or granting extensions in cases involving protracted non-support. Chief Justice Yuoh stated that she saw needless delays in cases presented before the magistrates as a result of attorneys’ shenanigans to postpone the legal proceedings in a court with limited authority. This was witnessed during her surprise visit to magisterial courts.
The Chief Justice explained that the Supreme Court finds it unacceptable for cases to remain pending in court for longer than the legally prescribed durations due to the antics of certain lawyers who appear in the magistratal courts. She noted that the court is taking judicial cognizance of the Legislative intent for the creation of magisterial courts, which includes, among other, the expeditious disposition of disputes vis-a’vis the rules and regulations for the governance of the magisterial and traffic courts.
According to her, Rule 9 of the aforementioned statute stipulates that “a civil case shall not be delayed and continue for longer than two weeks, unless the magistrate determines otherwise for good reason; nor shall a civil case be continued from month to month without prompt resolution. After an arrest, no criminal case in the magistrate court or any traffic court matter may be pending and unresolved for longer than 30 days.”
She pointed out that it is a mockery of justice when magistrates provide extensions up to six months to defendants so they can get their deeds in a summary processes suit to regain control of real property.
Chief Justice Youh, advised practicing attorneys to be mindful even in the event that the defendant reappears with a deed, the magistrate court will not have jurisdiction over the matter since, at that point, a title dispute may occur, rendering the case amenable only to a circuit court through an ejectment action.
She issued a warning to practicing attorneys, law firms, and non-attorneys about the hazards involved in presenting oneself and acting as legal representatives in any court within a jurisdiction.
“Although we immediately issued a circular to all courts, instructing them not to allow these individuals to appear as counsel in any matter, and further informing the public not to engage the legal services of these individuals, I herewith resound the caveat to lawyers and law firms currently engaged in aiding the unauthorized practice of law or anticipate doing so in the future, that upon discovery of same, the Supreme Court will penalize both the law firm and the lawyers associated therewith in the most stringent manner,” said the Chief Justice.
Chief Justice Youh stated that as a result, they would lose their advantages as counselors-at-law of the Supreme Court Bar and have their names added to a delinquent list.
Reported by: T.Q. Lula Jaurey
