By: The Editorial Board

The integrity of Liberia’s justice system is under threat, not from criminals in the courtroom, but from the very institution meant to uphold fairness and the rule of law. Magistrates—those on the frontline of justice, particularly in leeward communities—are facing severe injustices themselves, including the non-payment of their back salaries. Yet, instead of addressing their concerns, Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh has chosen intimidation over resolution.

During the reappointment of magistrates, a prepared statement detailing their grievances was left unheard. The floor was not given, and the Chief Justice refused to allow an open dialogue. Was it a mere oversight, or a deliberate attempt to silence those seeking accountability? The recent memorandum circulating from the Supreme Court’s administration, disguised as a directive for monitoring magistrates’ attendance, appears to be more of a scare tactic than a genuine effort to improve judicial performance.

Where Is the Magistrates’ Back Pay?

The justices of the Supreme Court reportedly received USD 60,000 in back pay, while circuit judges received USD 24,000. Yet, magistrates—who bear the burden of grassroots justice—are left out. What happened to their back pay? If Article 72(a) of the Constitution explicitly protects judicial salaries from reduction, why are magistrates being denied what is rightfully theirs?

The laws are clear: Justices, judges, and magistrates must receive their due compensation. Judicial Canon Six reinforces this, emphasizing the dignity and protection afforded to judges. Yet, magistrates—who work in difficult conditions with minimal resources—are being abandoned financially and administratively. The Judiciary Law (Chapter 13, Section 13.4) mandates that their salaries be fixed and protected. Why is the Chief Justice, the very guardian of judicial integrity, ignoring these legal provisions?

Justice or Hypocrisy?

How can magistrates be expected to uphold justice when they themselves are victims of injustice? If the judiciary is to be the last place of hope for citizens, then its own members must not be treated with such disregard. The Constitution, the laws, and judicial canons all emphasize that magistrates should be treated fairly, yet their pleas for equity are met with threats instead of solutions.

Is Liberia’s Judiciary truly independent, or is it at the mercy of executive influence? Why is there always money for the higher courts but not for those at the base of the system? If magistrates continue to face these challenges, what message does that send about the country’s justice system?

A Call for Action

The failure to compensate magistrates fairly weakens the entire justice system. Corruption thrives when those responsible for justice are forced into financial desperation. The government must answer these pressing questions:

• Where is the magistrates’ back pay?
• Why were they denied the opportunity to voice their concerns?
• Why is the Chief Justice more focused on intimidation than resolution?

Justice begins with those who administer it. If magistrates are treated unjustly, can we truly expect them to deliver justice to the people?