HARPER, Maryland County — The Fourth Judicial Circuit Court in Maryland County is currently facing increased pressure as several key specialized courts remain non-operational due to the lack of assigned judges.
By: Peter P. Toe, Jr.
The situation has forced the circuit court to assume additional responsibilities, raising concerns about the growing workload and delays in the justice system.
Judge Nelson Tokpa of the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court raised the concern on March 12, 2026, during an engagement with magistrates, bailiffs, public defenders, and other judiciary actors.
The meeting was held during the visit of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia, who is in the county to inspect the newly constructed Judicial Complex in Harper City.
According to Judge Tokpa, the Debt Court, Traffic Court, Labor Court, and Tax Court are currently not functioning due to staffing shortages. He explained that the absence of judges to preside over these courts has compelled the Fourth Judicial Circuit Court to handle matters that would normally fall under the jurisdiction of those specialized courts.
The judge warned that the situation has contributed to a backlog of cases at a time when citizens are demanding faster access to justice. He also noted that some courts lack adequate judicial staff to serve writs and protect court properties.
Judge Tokpa further highlighted the shortage of private lawyers available to plead cases in Maryland County, attributing the challenge partly to the county’s remote geographical location.
He therefore called on the Government of Liberia, through the Office of the Chief Justice, to consider assigning qualified judges to fill the vacant positions and restore the operation of the affected courts.
Despite the challenges, Judge Tokpa commended the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia for visiting the southeastern region to engage members of the judiciary and inspect the new judicial complex under construction in Maryland County. He noted that the facility, once completed, will significantly improve access to justice in the county.
Meanwhile, Maryland County Superintendent Henry B. Cole, in his welcome remarks, expressed appreciation for the Chief Justice’s visit. He described the tour as important for strengthening the justice system and wished the Chief Justice a productive stay in the county.
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