Africa-Press – Liberia. Monrovia — The keynote speaker at the 2025 Convention of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA) has sharply criticized members of the judiciary, accusing some judges and lawyers of actively undermining the rule of law in Liberia.
“I am quite aware that—outside forces aside—lawyers, in some cases judges and court officers, form the core of the forces undermining the rule of law and justice,” alleged Cllr. Mark M. Marvay, Managing Partner at Beyond Law Chambers.
Speaking on the theme “Strengthening the Rule of Law: The Lawyer’s Role in Restoring Public Trust,” Marvay emphasized the importance of mentorship, professionalism, and ethical conduct among members of the legal profession. He urged young lawyers to seek guidance from competent, disciplined senior lawyers while building professional camaraderie with peers who share similar values.
Marvay described a series of troubling experiences during his 15 years of legal practice, which he said illustrate the extent of misconduct within Liberia’s justice system.
He cited incidents including alteration of court records, including fabricated rulings to favor certain clients, tampering with court minutes and withholding assignments for the reading of survey reports to create opportunities for objections, jury tampering, including a lawyer allegedly visiting a jury quarter late at night, judicial delays, such as a judge refusing to rule on a matter for over a year after trial, dishonest excuses, including lawyers claiming medical procedures or foreign travel while being seen at weddings or in other courts on the same day.
He also named improper judicial rulings, with one judge allegedly issuing a decision without citing a single law or fact, misleading colleagues, such as a lawyer instructing him not to attend a hearing under false pretenses, negligence by court officers, including sheriffs who falsely claimed defendants had traveled when they were present in the courthouse, political interference, including threats from senior government officials and remedial petition that was never assigned, delaying justice until the disputed logs were exported, rendering any judgment meaningless.
“A lawyer who prosecutes or defends a cause in court must be aware that he or she is also on trial,” Marvay said. “Character, competence, and ethics are constantly under scrutiny by the judge, the jury, and the public.”
He argued that accountability is central to strengthening the rule of law, asserting that Liberia’s legal system must function not merely as a mechanism for dispute resolution but as an instrument for protecting liberties, promoting justice, and ensuring fairness and equality.
According to him, public trust continues to erode due to misuse of power, uneven application of justice, and failure to protect vulnerable populations.
LNBA President Highlights Reforms, Achievements
In his 2025 Annual Report, LNBA President Cllr. Varmah M. Varmah highlighted the Bar’s work in legal advocacy, judicial engagement, and professional development.
He said the LNBA continued to push for reforms in the judicial sector, constitutional compliance in public defense services, and stronger protections for fair trial rights.
On professional development, he noted that Continuing Legal Education (CLE) sessions were held during the Assembly and on Law Day to improve the competence of young lawyers, prosecutors, and legal aid practitioners.
In the area of human rights, the Bar contributed to national dialogues on transitional justice and accountability, ensuring that domestic perspectives were aligned with international standards.
Varmah also underscored improvements in membership services, including streamlined licensing processes and clearer communication between local bar associations and national leadership.
He praised the transparent 2024 LNBA elections and commended former LNBA President Cllr. Sylvester D. Rennie for ensuring a smooth transfer of institutional records and assets. He also thanked former Chief Justice Sie-A. Youh for making the Temple of Justice conference hall available for the convention.
Chief Justice Gbeisay Calls Lawyers ‘Custodians of the Rule of Law’
For his part, Chief Justice Yamie Q. Gbeisay reminded LNBA members of their central role in safeguarding Liberia’s democracy and peace.
“We gather here as custodians of the rule of law in a nation that has known hardship, endured conflict, and continues to walk the fragile path toward peace and inclusive justice,” he said.
“When the Liberian National Bar Association meets, the conscience of the Republic speaks.”
Gbeisay emphasized that the law must remain a shield for the weak, not a tool of domination for the powerful.
“We are the hand that extends justice to the indigent, the forgotten, and the unheard,” he said. “We are the pillars upon which the people expect fairness, accountability, trust, and hope.”
He described Ganta—host city of the convention—as a symbol of resilience, unity, and reconciliation, urging the Bar to let the spirit of the city inspire legal reforms and national cohesion.
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