-in May 2026 Court Term
Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Justice has announced a robust performance by its prosecution team during the May 2026 Term of Court, securing convictions in more than three-quarters of cases brought to trial.
According to the Ministry’s end-of-term report, prosecutors achieved 77 convictions out of 99 cases tried, representing a conviction rate of approximately 78 percent. The remaining cases resulted in 11 acquittals and 11 hung juries, where jurors could not reach a unanimous decision.
The results, which cover prosecutorial activities across all jurisdictions in the country, reflect what Ministry officials describe as sustained commitment by government attorneys to representing the Republic and pursuing criminal accountability through the judicial system.
Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, who leads the Ministry, has overseen what insiders characterize as a renewed emphasis on case preparation and trial advocacy since assuming office. The May term figures represent one of the stronger showings in recent years for the prosecution arm of the government.
In a statement released Thursday, the Ministry commended its prosecutors for their dedication throughout the term, urging them to “remain steadfast in the discharge of their duties.” The acknowledgment came as the legal community continues to grapple with persistent challenges including limited resources, court backlogs, and procedural delays that have historically hampered prosecution efforts.
Legal observers note that while the conviction rate is encouraging, the significant number of hung juries—accounting for over 11 percent of cases—suggests areas for improvement in jury selection and trial strategy. The acquittal rate similarly reflects the high burden of proof required in criminal proceedings under Liberian law. The Ministry has not yet released a breakdown of case types or jurisdictions, which would provide deeper insight into the performance metrics.
