Corruption and the Weaponization of Justice in Liberia: A Call for Reform:
“Justice is an essential moral and social pillar.”- 20th-century political philosophy, John Rawls.
“The first duty of society is justice.” — Alexander Hamilton.
Martin Luther King Jr. stated that “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere” and that “True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice.”
The Power of Integrity: “Justice consists not in being neutral between right and wrong, but in finding out the right and upholding it, wherever found, against the wrong.” — Theodore Roosevelt
“It is the spirit and not the form of law that keeps justice alive.” — Earl Warren.
James Baldwin warned that “Ignorance, allied with power, is the most ferocious enemy justice can have.”
In a democracy, disregarding the justice of the downtrodden is a “perversion of justice” and a “cowardly betrayal of the rule of law.”- Dr. Anthony Fallah Swaray, a Non-Profit Expert and Intellectual Project Management Philosopher.
Oscar Arias emphasized the importance of justice but cautioned against confusing it with revenge, as they are “wholly different.”
Martin Luther King Jr. noted that using moral means to preserve immoral ends is wrong.
Blaise Pascal said that “Justice without force is powerless; force without justice is tyrannical.”
By: Austin S Fallah- A True Son of the Planet Earth Soil:fallahas@yahoo.com.
In the tumultuous landscape of Liberia’s political and judicial systems, a bold statement made by Associate Justice Kaba reverberated across the nation: “The judiciary is the most corrupt sector”, and was published in the November 11th, 2021, edition of Frontpage Africa Newspaper.
When we consider this declaration, made during the opening of the Second Judicial Circuit Court in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County, on November 8, 2021, it forces Liberians to confront an uncomfortable truth about the state of justice in Liberia.
If the judiciary itself is tainted by corruption, how can it possibly serve as the arbiter of fairness, protecting the rights of the downtrodden and the vulnerable?
This pillow of curiosity argues that the pervasive corruption in Liberia’s judicial system undermines the rule of law, erodes public trust, and violates the fundamental principle of justice, which should be accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.
Furthermore, it advocates systemic reforms to restore integrity and independence to the judiciary, emphasizing that justice cannot be a privilege for the wealthy or influential but must serve all members of society.
To appreciate the gravity of Justice Kaba’s statement, it is imperative to examine the multifaceted nature of corruption in Liberia’s judiciary.
Corruption (for now, some alleged on a more holistic national scale) has become a systemic issue, where bribery, favoritism, and exploitation have become the norms rather than the exceptions.
This deeply entrenched corruption creates a legal system that is less about delivering justice and more about reinforcing existing power dynamics.
Individuals with deep pockets can manipulate the system, while people experiencing poverty, who lack financial resources, are often left to languish without representation or recourse.
The consequences of such a corrupted justice system are dire. It undermines the very foundations of democracy and the rule of law, leading to a corrosive cycle in which citizens lose faith in public institutions.
When the judiciary, which should act as the guardian of justice, is perceived as biased and corrupt, it creates a dangerous narrative where might overshadows right.
This reality was evident during and after the years of civil conflict in Liberia, where justice was piecemeal and often withheld from those who needed it most.
The idea that justice must be accessible to the downtrodden can not be overlooked.
If society is to thrive, legal reforms must be prioritized so that everyone, irrespective of their economic standing, can access fair treatment under the law.
Justice Kaba’s statement reflects a judicial system that has failed to uphold its responsibilities.
Despite acknowledging corruption at such high levels, actual reform remains elusive.
Many well-meaning Liberians and legal experts had hoped that this admission would spark a series of changes aimed at improving the integrity of the judiciary.
However, without systemic reforms, the likelihood of meaningful progress remains slim.
Justice must not merely serve those with wealth and influence; it must represent the ideals of equity and fairness that lie at the heart of a democratic society.
Creating a judiciary directly accountable to the people, rather than the elite, is paramount to ensuring justice for all.
Moreover, the weaponization of justice in Liberia presents another concerning issue.
Delivering justice is often interpreted as a tool for the political elite, used to suppress dissent or silence critics.
This perversion not only reinforces corrupt practices but also suppresses public discourse.
An independent judiciary that protects the rights of all citizens rather than serving as a means of political control is crucial to a healthy democracy.
The intimidation that arises from a politicized judicial system stifles voices that dare to challenge the status quo, further entrenching cycles of poverty, disenfranchisement, and injustice.
The separation of powers is fundamental to any democracy; yet, in Liberia, the judiciary’s independence is compromised.
Political interference in judicial matters erodes public confidence in the system.
A judiciary that operates under the influence of political elites cannot justly and effectively enforce the law.
Steps must be taken to ensure a hands-off approach to the judiciary, allowing it to act solely on the rule of law rather than political whims.
Strengthening the independence of the judiciary would involve establishing more precise boundaries and protections for judges, including measures to prevent them from being easily dismissed or coerced.
Such actions would not only elevate the status of the judiciary but also restore faith in the institution itself as an impartial actor devoted to justice.
Furthermore, it is essential to prioritize judicial accountability by establishing mechanisms to monitor and address corruption.
Establishing swift oversight bodies independent of political influence would introduce checks and balances, facilitating accountability for those within the judicial system.
Training judges in ethical conduct while simultaneously providing them with better resources to facilitate their duties can empower those seeking to implement justice.
More importantly, investing in a fair compensation structure for judges could deter corruption driven by financial desperation.
In any effort to reform the judiciary, public engagement is paramount.
The voices of citizens must be elevated and incorporated into the dialogue surrounding judicial reform.
Positive public pressure can serve as a catalyst for change, underscoring that justice is not a privilege reserved for a select few but a right earned by every individual.
Citizens, through positive engagements, must be empowered to advocate for their own rights and, professionally and positively, not through hooliganism, can challenge a system that seeks to keep them marginalized.
A transparent, participatory approach to legal reform, emphasizing community involvement, will ensure that the judiciary reflects the needs and aspirations of the broader population.
Ultimately, as Liberians further contemplate the implications of Justice Kaba’s assertion regarding the corruption pervading Liberia’s judiciary, they must confront the harsh reality that reform is not simply desirable; it is necessary.
The judiciary, envisioned as the cornerstone of justice and democracy, can become an active participant in dismantling cycles of corruption and inequality. Given Liberia’s historical context, where justice has often been weaponized against the powerless and marginalized, Liberians must strive for a brighter future where the scales of justice are balanced and fairness is the expected norm rather than hope.
The fight for a transparent and accountable judiciary in Liberia does not belong solely to politicians or legal elites.
It is the responsibility of every citizen, every advocate for social justice, and every supporter of democracy.
The collective voices must rise against corruption and champion reforms that serve to restore the integrity of justice.
Only then can Liberians move toward a Liberia where the justice system is truly a shield for the weak, serving everyone regardless of social status.
The goal should be clear: to nurture an atmosphere of justice characterized by equity, impartiality, and respect for the dignity of all air-breaking individuals, paving the way for a democratic society in which justice is not merely reserved for the affluent but is available to all.
