Kakata, Margibi County — Resident Judge of Margibi County, Victory Wolobah Duncan, has called on jurors to uphold the rule of law, remain impartial, and protect the integrity of Liberia’s justice system as the May Term of Court officially opened in the county.
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Judge Duncan emphasized that jurors play a central role in ensuring fairness and accountability within the legal process, describing them as “the heart of the justice system.”
Addressing members of the jury panel, the Resident Judge stressed that jurors are not passive observers in courtroom proceedings but active participants entrusted with the constitutional responsibility of delivering justice fairly and independently.
“Jurors bring the conscience, values, and common sense of society into the courtroom,” Judge Duncan stated, adding that public confidence in the judiciary largely depends on the ability of jurors to deliberate honestly and without bias.
Her remarks come at a time when Liberia’s justice system continues to face growing public scrutiny over concerns involving judicial credibility, political influence, delayed court proceedings, and access to fair trials. Legal analysts say the role of jurors has become increasingly important in maintaining trust in the country’s democratic and judicial institutions.
Judge Duncan outlined several key responsibilities expected of jurors during the court term, including carefully listening to evidence and testimonies, weighing facts objectively under the law, engaging in fair deliberations, and safeguarding the constitutional rights of accused individuals.
She further urged jurors to demonstrate patience, courage, impartiality, and respect for differing opinions while striving to reach verdicts grounded in justice, truth, and legal principles rather than emotion or external pressure.
According to the judge, jury service remains one of the highest forms of civic duty because it allows ordinary citizens to directly participate in the administration of justice and the protection of constitutional order.
“Justice is not abstract,” Judge Duncan noted. “It is carried out daily by ordinary citizens entrusted with extraordinary responsibility.”
In reinforcing the historical significance of jury systems within democratic societies, Judge Duncan quoted renowned English jurist Sir William Blackstone, who famously stated: “The jury is the glory of the English law because it places the fate of individuals in the hands of their peers rather than the power of the state alone.”
Legal experts say such comments reflect broader efforts within Liberia’s judiciary to encourage greater public participation, transparency, and professionalism in court proceedings amid persistent national concerns over judicial independence and accountability.
The opening of the May Term of Court brought together judges, lawyers, court staff, law enforcement officers, and community members as judicial activities officially commenced for the new term in Margibi County.
Observers note that while speeches promoting fairness and judicial integrity are important, the long-term credibility of Liberia’s legal system will ultimately depend on consistent enforcement of the rule of law, timely handling of cases, and equal justice regardless of political or social status.
As Liberia continues to navigate complex political and legal challenges, Judge Duncan’s message underscored the growing importance of jurors as guardians of fairness, due process, and public confidence in the nation’s courts.
