IPNEWS: Bong County Senator Pince Moye, has underscored the need for AN AGRESSIVE APPORACH TO IMPROVING Liberia’s judicial SYSTEM .
Speaking at the Seventh Annual Convention of the National Association of Public Defenders of Liberia (NAPDOL), Senator Prince K. Moye raised concerns OVER the current state of Liberia’s justice system, particularly its impact on the nation’s most vulnerable citizens. He decried the growing distrust in the formal courts, which has increasingly driven citizens to rely on customary law or juggle justice as the alternative to fair justice or, in some cases, resort to mob violence.
“The judiciary’s credibility is on the line,” Moye declared, warning that the erosion of trust in the formal justice system poses a serious threat to Liberia’s social fabric.
Public Defenders: A Pillar of Justice for the Poor
Senator Moye emphasized the indispensable role public defenders play in ensuring justice for underprivileged Liberians, urging them to approach their work with the same dedication they show to wealthier clients.
“Public defenders are the last line of defense for those who cannot afford legal representation,” he said. “When public defenders win more cases for the poor, we take steps toward achieving true justice for all.”
He highlighted the importance of public defenders in restoring public confidence in the judiciary, calling their efforts essential in bridging the gap between the legal system and the marginalized.
Integrating Customary and Formal Justice
Recognizing Liberia’s dual justice system—customary and formal—Moye called for reforms to integrate the two systems more effectively. He proposed the creation of a transparent and accessible platform that would combine the strengths of both systems, ensuring fair and equitable justice for all Liberians.
“This is not about choosing one system over the other,” Moye stated. “It’s about creating a justice framework that works for every Liberian, regardless of their social or economic standing.”
A Call for Systemic Reforms
The senator’s remarks underscored the urgent need for systemic reforms to address the inefficiencies and biases in the judicial system. He called for measures to ensure equal access to justice, including enhanced training and resources for public defenders, greater transparency in court proceedings, and stronger oversight mechanisms to hold judicial actors accountable.
Restoring Trust in Justice
Moye concluded his address with a passionate plea for collective action to restore trust in the nation’s justice system. He challenged NAPDOL members to lead the charge in advocating for and implementing changes that would make the judiciary more inclusive and credible.
“As public defenders, your work goes beyond individual cases,” he said. “You are fighting for the soul of our justice system and the future of our nation.”
The convention brought together legal professionals, policymakers, and civil society advocates to discuss the challenges facing Liberia’s justice system and explore solutions to ensure justice for all citizens. Senator Moye’s remarks served as a rallying cry for public defenders and other stakeholders to recommit themselves to the principles of fairness, accountability, and equal access to justice.
