By Nyantee S. Togba
CAPITOL HILL — Chief Justice-designate Yamie Gbeisay on Monday defended his judicial portray and known as for sweeping reforms within Liberia’s justice system in the route of his initial appearance earlier than the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Facing tricky questions from lawmakers, Gbeisay pushed assist in opposition to criticisms of inconsistency and alleged political bias in different of his past rulings, preserving that his choices dangle repeatedly been grounded in constitutional interpretation and apt task–no longer partisan affect or deepest belief.
“I remain committed to the rule of law and judicial independence,” Gbeisay told senators. “My record speaks to a consistent application of constitutional principles, even when public perception suggests otherwise.”
A key point of competition emerged around Gbeisay’s involvement in essentially the newest management dispute within the Home of Representatives. Senators puzzled why his dissenting opinion in the matter perceived to contradict a prior Supreme Court ruling. Gbeisay maintained that the distinction became as soon as procedural and no longer a reversal of apt reasoning.
Ranking committee member Senator Darius Dillon expressed subject about continual delays in judicial lawsuits–in particular the Supreme Court’s handling of petitions for writs of prohibition. He cited the lengthy-working Sources Restoration vs. Gracious Race case for instance of how such delays erode public belief in the judiciary.
“The system must do better,” Dillon said. “Justice delayed is justice denied, and the public’s confidence is wearing thin.”
In response, Gbeisay acknowledged the delays and said he supports reforms geared towards rising efficiency within the judiciary. He pointed to out of date procedures and helpful resource constraints as contributors to systemic backlogs.
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Gbeisay additionally known as for a broader constitutional evaluation, arguing that the 1986 Constitution no longer fully displays the country’s evolving democratic and apt panorama.
“Liberia has changed significantly since 1986,” he said. “Our Constitution must be updated to reflect current realities, especially in areas where ambiguities undermine legal clarity.”
Among the many most pressing challenges, Gbeisay highlighted the rising selection of unresolved land disputes across the country. He described the subject as a ticking time bomb and known as for reforms to ride up land adjudication processes.
“We must prioritize land reform. The judiciary alone cannot resolve these disputes without coordinated institutional action and legislative support,” he warned.
The confirmation listening to is anticipated to proceed at the moment time, with lawmakers poised to mediate Gbeisay’s judicial philosophy, management imaginative and prescient, and proposed roadmap for restoring public self belief in the nation’s easiest courtroom.
