Margibi County—Judge T. Ciapha Carey, the assigned Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Kakata, Margibi County, has urged Liberians to adhere to the rule of law and steer clear of violence during the official opening of the November Term of Court on Monday.
By: Yawah Y. Jaivey
In his Charge of Court, Judge Carey, who has been re-assigned to preside over the court for a second term, expressed his gratitude for the opportunity.
He discussed the legal definition of violence, emphasizing that any use of physical force must be legally warranted to be justified.
“Violence is never an acceptable method of resolving disputes,” he stated, highlighting that adherence to the rule of law is essential for ensuring accountability and justice for all individuals, regardless of their status.
The judge pointed out the destructive cycle of violence within society and advocated for peaceful conflict resolution through open and respectful dialogue among individuals and communities.
“In a world where conflict and disagreement are inevitable, it is crucial to emphasize the importance of adhering to the rule of law,” he added, calling for a culture of tolerance and empathy to help dismantle the roots of violence.
Judge Carey lamented the several challenges facing the judiciary, notably regarding salaries, benefits, and logistics.
He urged his fellow judges to maintain their integrity, asserting that “judgment should not be for sale, nor shall it be delayed; as justice delayed is justice denied.”
He called for prosecutors to make regular visits to detention centers to ensure that pre-trial detainees are treated fairly and by legal standards, while also encouraging public defenders to fulfill their crucial role in advocating for the rights of defendants.
The 13th Judicial Circuit Court assigned Judge emphasized the importance of judicial independence, reaffirming that the court seeks no outside approval for its actions and is committed to administering justice fairly and impartially.
As the court term commenced, Judge Carey reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, inviting citizens and residents of Margibi County to utilize the legal system for conflict resolution instead of resorting to violence.
He, however, declared the 13th Judicial Circuit Court open for business and instructed the Clerk of Court to notify local authorities about the court’s formal reopening.
