As a step toward providing legal literacy to the Liberian public, the Liberia School of Law (LSL) is preparing to introduce a Rule of Law Center.
According to the law school—the second in the country, behind the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law at the University of Liberia—the upcoming initiative is a significant endeavor aimed at enhancing justice, legal awareness, and civic responsibility throughout the nation.
The launch of the center was announced by Cllr. Francis S. Korkpor, Sr., retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia and Chairman of the LSL Board of Trustees.
In an official statement released over the weekend, Cllr. Korkpor praised the establishment of the Liberia School of Law as a timely and transformative educational initiative, recognizing its role in meeting the growing need for legal education in the country.
With the Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law being the primary institution for legal education since its inception in 1951, Cllr. Korkpor highlighted the need for expanded resources to keep pace with the country’s increasing population and demand for legal education.
The Liberia School of Law aims to address this gap and foster healthy academic competition.
“For decades, the Louise Arthur Grimes School of Law stood as the sole institution offering legal education […] While it has performed exceptionally well, our population has tripled and the demand for legal education has far outpaced available resources,” Korkpor said. “The Liberia School of Law seeks to bridge this gap and promote healthy academic competition.”
The forthcoming Rule of Law Center is seen as a valuable addition to this objective. According to Cllr. Korkpor, the Center will serve as an avenue to promote justice, peace, equal opportunities, and human rights by bringing legal knowledge directly to the people.
Recognizing the significance of the rule of law in society, Cllr. Korkpor emphasized the importance of public understanding of governing principles, which can lead to greater compliance, societal stability, and progress.
“The rule of law is the cornerstone of society. When people understand the rules governing them, they are more likely to comply, leading to a stable and progressive society,” he emphasized. “Through its outreach programs and projects, the Center will play a vital role in civic education and public engagement.”
The Center’s outreach initiatives and projects are expected to play a pivotal role in civic education and community engagement. The Board of Trustees has expressed its full support for this initiative.
Cllr. Korkpor acknowledged the school’s administration, under the guidance of Prof. Kwame Clement, for the vision behind the project, and recognized retired Associate Justice Philip A. Z. Banks, III, for leading the Rule of Law program.
Cllr. Korkpor expressed confidence in the program’s potential to take root and make a positive impact in Liberian society.
The introduction of the Rule of Law Center signifies a significant step forward in Liberia’s commitment to expanding legal education access and enhancing democratic governance through increased legal awareness and literacy.
“I do not doubt that the program will take root and create the desired impact in our society,” Korkpor concluded.
