Judge Pape Suah of the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Sanniquellie, Nimba County, Liberia, delivered a stern address at the opening of the May 2025 court term, emphasizing the critical importance of ethical conduct among legal professionals. He underscored that lawyers, as officers of the court, are bound by a strict code of ethics designed to uphold the dignity and integrity of the judicial system. This commitment, he stressed, is not confined to courtroom proceedings but extends to all aspects of their professional lives, including their interactions with the public and their portrayal of court matters. Judge Suah’s address served as a potent reminder of the vital role legal practitioners play in ensuring public trust in the justice system.
A central concern raised by Judge Suah was the recent trend of lawyers publicly discussing, misrepresenting, and misinterpreting court proceedings and rulings. This practice, he argued, undermines the authority of the judiciary and erodes public confidence in the legal process. He reminded lawyers that established legal avenues exist for challenging court decisions, including appeals and reviews, and resorting to public misrepresentations is both unethical and unprofessional. The judge stressed that the court is the ultimate interpreter of the law, constitutionally empowered to apply and enforce legal statutes. Utilizing appropriate legal channels for redress, rather than public platforms, is essential for maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the judicial system.
Expanding on the theme of professional responsibility, Judge Suah condemned the habitual absence of some lawyers from court proceedings after accepting case assignments, as well as their persistent avoidance of service from colleagues and court officers. These actions, he explained, not only demonstrate a lack of professional ethics but also contribute to significant delays, waste valuable court time and resources, and ultimately frustrate clients seeking justice. The resulting bottlenecks often lead to misplaced blame directed at the court, further damaging public perception of the judicial process. Judge Suah made it clear that such unprofessional conduct would no longer be tolerated and that disciplinary measures would be enforced against those who persist in these practices.
Furthermore, the judge addressed the issue of law firms operating with perpetually closed offices, disconnected phones, and lawyers who actively evade service of legal documents. He characterized these practices as severely hindering the administration of justice and impeding the court’s efficiency. This pattern of unresponsiveness not only reflects poorly on the legal profession but also undermines the credibility of the justice system as a whole. Judge Suah urged those engaging in such behavior to cease immediately, warning that continued non-compliance would result in the dismissal of abandoned cases to manage the court’s caseload and maintain operational efficiency. His message underscored the court’s commitment to streamlined operations and timely justice for all.
Despite his criticisms, Judge Suah acknowledged the commendable professionalism and cooperation exhibited by the County Attorney and the Public Defense Team. He praised their ethical conduct and collaboration as exemplary models of courtroom decorum and dedication to duty. Their conduct, he emphasized, sets a positive standard for other legal professionals to emulate and contributes significantly to the efficient and effective functioning of the court. This recognition served to highlight the importance of collaboration and respect within the legal community for the overall benefit of the justice system.
Finally, Judge Suah expressed serious concern about the increasing interference of local executive authorities in judicial matters within Nimba County. While recognizing the principle of separation of powers, he stressed the importance of respecting the distinct roles and responsibilities of the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government. He urged executive officials to refrain from actions that constitute interference in judicial affairs. He emphasized that diverting judicial matters for administrative resolution is not only improper but also represents a gross violation of the independence and authority of the judiciary, ultimately diminishing public trust in the fairness and impartiality of the legal system.
