Two newly constructed Magisterial Courts have been dedicated in Saclepea, and Toe Town in Nimba and Grand Gedeh Counties respectively.
Performing the dedicatory ceremonies, the Acting Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, His Honor Francis Korkpor cautioned Judges and Magistrates against what he called “rendering twisted judgments” in favor of a particular side. He urged magistrates to render fair and impartial justice that will earn the respect of citizens and the public.
Justice Korkpor reminded judicial officials of the canon laws, which encourage judges to be impartial in their judgments and to be consistent with the law. He said the dedicatory ceremonies signify access to justice, stressing that “where the rule of law is present and administered fairly, there will be reconciliation and peaceful co-existence.
The construction of the Saclepea Magisterial Court was jointly funded by the Government of Liberia and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). The Bureau of Crisis Prevention and Recovery of UNDP provided US$50,000 as part of the funding pumped into the project, while the one in Toe Town was constructed by the UNDP under its Justice and Security Trust Fund, with funding from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA) at the cost of $US100,000.
Speaking at the program, the UNDP Program Analyst on the Governance Pillar, James Monibah, who represented the UNDP lauded market women and citizens of the two communities for providing the land for the construction work.. Mr. Monibah indicated that UNDP was interested in assisting the Liberian Government to enhance access to justice, facilitate peace and reduce vices such as mob violence.
