-For Not Attending Court Opening
By Shallon S. Gonlor | shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — Relieving Judge, Nelson B. Chineh, assigned at the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba County has summoned practicing lawyers, including members of the Nimba Bar Association, to appear before the court and explain why they were absent from the November Term, A.D. 2025 opening ceremony on Monday..
His Honor, Chineh, takes the firm stance against absenteeism among lawyers in a bid to uphold professional standards and respect for the judicial process. The summons issued during the formal opening ceremony of the court requires the absent lawyers to show cause why they should not be held in contempt of court for their unexplained absence.
Judge Chineh emphasized the importance of professional attendance and respect for judicial proceedings, stressing that lawyers and judges must adhere to the highest standards of professionalism. The court’s decision to summon the absent lawyers highlights the significance of upholding professional standards and respecting the judicial process.
According to him, practicing lawyers and judges in subordinate courts are mandated to attend the opening ceremony and respond to their names during roll call. However, lawyers who fail to attend without a valid excuse will be reprimanded or fined.
Judge Chineh’s order exempted lawyers who are on judicial duties and governmental functions, ensuring that only those with legitimate reasons for absence are spared.
The clerk of the court has been ordered to serve the summons to the absent lawyers, who will be required to appear before the court to explain their absence. This move serves as a reminder to legal practitioners in Nimba County of their obligations to the court and the importance of maintaining professional decorum.
The November Term 2025 opening ceremony at the 8th Judicial Circuit Court in Nimba County was marked by a noticeable absence of lawyers, with only a few members of the Nimba Bar Association and other legal luminaries in attendance. The courtroom was sparsely populated, with empty seats, a stark reminder of the lack of representation from the majority of lawyers. The sparse attendance was conspicuous, with the seats usually occupied by lawyers remaining largely vacant.
The poor turnout was more striking due to the importance of the occasion, which marks the beginning of a new term in the judicial calendar. In contrast, the security apparatus, local stakeholders, and citizens of Nimba County were present, highlighting their interest in the proceedings and their desire to see justice served. The absence of the lawyers, however, raises questions about their commitment to their profession and their role in upholding the integrity of the judicial system.
Responding to the judge’s charge, Cllr. Kim Amelia Harris, President of the Nimba Bar Association, acknowledged the significance of lawyers attending the opening of the court. “The issue of lawyers attending the opening of court can not be overemphasized,” she said, highlighting the importance of this tradition in the legal profession.
Cllr. Harris commended Judge Nelson B. Chineh for emphasizing the need for lawyers to be present at the court opening ceremony. She assured that her administration is committed to supporting and ensuring that lawyers from Nimba County, whether based in Montserrado County or other parts of Liberia, are able to attend court openings in Nimba County.
“We recognize the value of this tradition and the role it plays in upholding the dignity of the court,” Cllr. Harris stated. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that our members are aware of the importance of attending court openings and take necessary steps to facilitate their participation.” With this commitment, the Nimba Bar Association is poised to strengthen its relationship with the judiciary and promote a culture of professionalism and respect for the law.
Legal Concept and Jurisdiction of the Court
In another development, the Assigned Circuit Judge presiding over the November Term of Court at the 8th Judicial Circuit has issued a timely reminder to magistrates and judges regarding the fundamental legal concept and jurisdiction of the court.
Speaking on the legal concept and jurisdiction of the court, Judge Chineh’s charge aims to ensure that all judicial officers within the circuit understand the scope and limits of their authority, promoting consistency and accuracy in the application of the law.
He emphasized that understanding the legal concept and jurisdiction of the court is crucial in ensuring that justice is served fairly and efficiently.
Jurisdiction refers to the court’s power to hear and decide cases, while the legal concept of the court encompasses the principles and rules that govern its proceedings. By reinforcing these foundational elements, the Assigned Circuit Judge stressed the importance of adhering to established legal frameworks and protocols.
This reminder is particularly significant, as it underscores the need for judicial officers to be mindful of their jurisdictional boundaries and to apply the law impartially. By doing so, the court can maintain the integrity and efficacy of the judicial process, ultimately upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served in accordance with the law.
Judge Chineh’s reminder is a proactive measure aimed at promoting consistency and accuracy in the application of the law across the Judicial Branch of Government in Liberia. Judge Chineh further noted that by refocusing on these essential legal principles, the court can ensure that all cases are handled with the utmost care and diligence, thereby maintaining public trust and confidence in the judiciary.
The Relieving Judge cautioned judges and magistrates to operate within their designated jurisdictions, warning against overstepping their authority by handling cases that fall outside their legal purview.
The court, he emphasized, is the last bastion of hope for mankind and must therefore function within the limits prescribed by law. Notably, even the Supreme Court, as the highest court in the land, has its powers circumscribed by law, he stated.
Judge Chineh highlighted that the Supreme Court’s original jurisdiction is restricted to specific cases, such as those involving ambassadors, ministers, or cases where a country is a party. Judge Chineh further explained that Circuit and Magisterial Courts, being statutory courts, derive their jurisdiction from the new Judiciary Law, Title 17 of the Liberia Code of Laws Revised. According to the statute, the Circuit Court has original jurisdiction over all serious civil and criminal cases.
It also has appellate jurisdiction over appeals from decisions of the Magisterial Court within its territorial area. However, each Circuit Court’s jurisdiction is limited to the county for which it was established.
In contrast, the Magisterial Court has original jurisdiction over minor civil and criminal cases. Additionally, it can conduct preliminary examinations in felony offenses if requested by the defendant.
His Honor, Chineh, clarified that the Magistrate Court’s jurisdiction is limited to the geographical location for which it was established by law. Notably, the Magistrate Court does not have appellate jurisdiction and can not review decisions made by another Magistrate Court. Furthermore, its jurisdiction does not extend to summary proceedings for recovering possession of real property when a title is disputed, adding that the magisterial court also lacks authority to hear cases involving amounts exceeding $2,000.
Judge Chineh emphasized that any decision, judgment, or order issued by a court lacking jurisdiction is null and void, having no legal effect. He acknowledged that party litigants, often non-lawyers, may be unfamiliar with the specific jurisdictions of various courts. However, he stressed that judges, magistrates, and practicing lawyers have a professional obligation to understand and respect these jurisdictional boundaries.
The judge further clarified that parties can not confer jurisdiction on a court simply by agreeing to have their case heard there, noting that jurisdiction is strictly determined by law. “We are required to take judicial notice of the laws governing our jurisdiction,” he reminded. “Exercising jurisdiction over cases without proper authority not only denies parties their right to due process but also undermines justice and erodes public trust in the court system,” he added.
Judge Chineh highlighted that under his stewardship for the November Term of Court at the 8th Judicial Circuit Court, such oversteps will not be tolerated. He urged judges and magistrates to prioritize adhering to jurisdictional limits, ensuring that all proceedings conclude with integrity and respect for the legal process. “Let us remember that as judicial officers, we must ensure that parties are heard within our jurisdiction, upholding their right to due process and the rule of law.
By doing so, the judiciary can maintain its role as a bastion of justice, fairly and impartially applying the law,” Judge Chineh concluded. Meanwhile, in response to the judge’s charge, the Ministry of Justice and the office of the defense team in Nimba County expressed their commitment to ensuring justice is served. Cllr. John D. Miah, Nimba County Attorney, speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, assured the court of their dedication to the cause.
“We will collaborate closely to ensure that justice is served impartially and in accordance with the law,” Cllr. Miah stated, adding, “Thank you, Your Honor, for this opportunity to reaffirm our commitment.” Echoing this sentiment, Cllr. Tarlo N. Wehyee, lead counsel for the defense, assured the court of their cooperation. “We will work hand-in-hand with the court to ensure that justice is dispensed fairly and in the best interest of the public,” Cllr. Wehyee emphasized.
