Monrovia – Judge Johannes Zlahn of Civil Law Court ‘B’, a man of outstanding and principled legal character, passed in his sleep at his home in Duport Road, Paynesville over the weekend, following regular chores at his home.
Judge Zlahn served the Judiciary for less than 5 years after working in President Sirleaf office and the Law Reform Commission.
It was a shocking and mournful scene at the court he presided over as his staff wept along with lawyers and party litigants.
He was lastly seen at the Civil Law Court “B” on Friday at 5:pm and later died Saturday at 12:noon.
Commenting on the death, Chief Justice Francis Korkpor said: “Zlahn had a long and illustrious legal career and was one of the great minds of our time.”
“As well as his enormous contribution to our judicial system, he had a love of our language, a huge interest in history and politics and was a mind blowing judge.”
Judge Zlahn is survived by his wife and several children.
The Chief Justice said the country has lost a colossus of the legal world and his colleagues at the court had lost a good and true friend.
He said the deceased had a successful career as a lawyer.
“He was a leader, and was renowned for his extensive practice and great skills, including in cross-examination.”
Judge Yusuf Kaba, judge of Civil Law A headed a delegation to the home of his fallen colleague and there he expressed his sympathy.
“At the Judiciary, Judge Zlahn has made an immense contribution to the development of Liberian law.
The depth and rigor of his legal analysis have been matched by the eloquence and clarity of his judgments.
“A strong voice on the court, he has been rightly recognized as a particularly passionate defender of civil liberties and of individual freedoms.”
A lawyer who risked the slammer under Zlahn’s gavel said he was shocked and saddened by the passing of the judge.
Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe also described said the deceased was very punctual and principled in the dispensing of justice.
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