Liberia Chief Justice Proposes Abolishing Trial Jury System

Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr. called for the abolition of the trial jury system in Liberia during the opening of the Supreme Court's October Term. He argued that widespread jury manipulation and corruption are eroding the administration of justice, citing specific instances of tampering in Monrovia and the counties of Nimba, Grand Gedeh, Bomi, and Margibi.

The proposal has sparked a constitutional conflict. Senator Darius Dillon rejected the move, asserting that trial by jury is a protected right under the 1986 Constitution and that any removal would necessitate a national referendum. Critics further warned that transferring all decision-making power to judges could concentrate authority and increase the risk of bribery if judicial misconduct is not addressed.

The Liberia National Bar Association also opposed the abolition, advocating for systemic reforms instead. The association suggested improving juror compensation and vetting processes to fix the institution's failures rather than eliminating it entirely.