Monrovia – The ongoing murder trial involving former Chief Justice Gloria Musu-Scott came to a premature halt on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, after Supreme Court Chamber-Justice Her Honor Jamestta H. Wolokolie cited the parties involved in the case for a conference based on a petition for a writ of certiorari filed by the former Chief Justice’s lawyer.
By Victoria G. Wesseh, Contributing Writer
The conference is expected to take place on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the hour of 12:00 noon, in connection with the case.
“By directive of Her Honor Jamestta H. Wolokolie, Associate Justice presiding in Chambers, you are hereby cited to a conference with Her Honor on Friday, September 8, 2023, at the hour of 12:00 noon, in connection with the above-captioned case,” the mandate from the Chamber-Justice reads.
The mandate from the Supreme Court’s Chamber-Justice, dated Monday, September 4, 2023, carries the name of His Honor Roosevelt Z. Willie, Resident Judge, 1st Judicial Circuit Court, Criminal Assizes “A,” Montserrado County as the 1st Respondent. While the Republic of Liberia, by and through the Ministry of Justice and all those acting under its control and authority, serves as the 2nd Respondent.
The petitioners, in their motion filed with the High Court’s Chamber-Justice, state that a petition for a writ of certiorari will lie to review and correct the error made by the Judge.
The petitioners claim that on August 28, 2023, they requested Criminal Court “A” for the opportunity to visit the crime scene and also conduct an autopsy on the body of the deceased.
Subsequently, the request was resisted by the Republic of Liberia on the grounds that the application was filed prematurely.
On the same date as mentioned above, the court ruled as follows: “This court says that the motion filed is indeed premature because the first thing to determine is whether it is this court that will hear this matter, or this matter will be transferred to another court. It is before that court that the motion can be filed, or whether it is true that it is this court or that court that will determine the authenticity. Having said this, the motion as filed by the defendant is hereby denied….”
The petitioners state that on August 31, 2023, they filed a motion to have the Judge rescind his decision made on the Bill of Information denying the defendants’ motion.
On September 1, 2023, during the court sitting, petitioners brought to the attention of the court that it is now timely since the case is being heard by the court, and as such, defendants’ request to be granted as a matter of justice. However, the said request was outrightly denied by the court.
The petitioners contend that the denial of their request by His Honor Roosevelt Z. Willie deprives defendants of the opportunity of adequate representation and the right to proper preparation of defense in the murder proceeding.
“Wherefore, in view of the foregoing facts and circumstances, petitioners pray for your honor and this honorable court to issue the writ of certiorari directing the respondents to grant the application to have petitioners’ counsels access to the crime scene and to conduct an independent autopsy in order to prepare its defense,” the petitioners noted.
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