Judge Warns of Eroding Public Trust in Judiciary

By Lincoln G. Peters

TEMPLE OF JUSTICE, Monrovia, September 21, 2026 — Resident Judge of the 15th Judicial Circuit Court, Nelson B. Chineh, has outlined several factors he says are eroding public confidence in Liberia’s judiciary, including political and financial influence, personal interests and prolonged delays in resolving cases.

Judge Chineh called on judges, lawyers and other judicial actors to take concrete steps to restore public trust by ensuring that courts operate fairly, independently and efficiently.

Delivering the Judge’s Charge at the opening of the September 2026 Term of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Montserrado County on Monday, Chineh said judicial decisions must be based strictly on the law and evidence presented before the courts.

He warned judges against allowing political pressure, financial influence, personal interests, friendships, family relationships or public opinion to interfere with the administration of justice.

According to Chineh, judicial independence and impartiality are essential to maintaining public confidence in the courts and ensuring that litigants believe they will receive fair treatment.

The judge also identified prolonged delays in disposing of cases as a major challenge confronting the justice system.

He urged judges and lawyers to avoid unnecessary delays and work to ensure that cases are heard and resolved within a reasonable period.

Chineh particularly highlighted delays associated with investigative surveys in land disputes, noting that while such surveys are important in determining boundaries, acreage, location and other issues relevant to land cases, their cost and timing can prolong litigation and impose additional burdens on litigants.

He clarified that judges do not determine the cost of investigative surveys, which are conducted by technical personnel from the Liberia Land Authority.

However, he called on relevant justice-sector stakeholders to review the cost and timing of the process to ensure that investigative surveys help courts resolve land disputes rather than contribute to prolonged litigation.

Judge Chineh also reminded lawyers of their responsibility to help rebuild confidence in the judicial system by maintaining high ethical standards and representing their clients honestly, professionally and fearlessly.

He said an effective justice system depends on the collective performance of judges, lawyers, jurors and court officers.

According to him, when each judicial actor properly performs his or her responsibilities, the administration of justice is strengthened, peace is preserved and democracy is protected.

Judge Chineh subsequently declared the September 2026 Term of the Sixth Judicial Circuit Court officially open for business.