MONROVIA, LIBERIA-The Supreme Court has mandated all Magistrates to resolve cases within a maximum of two days, thus ensuring that the magisterial courts adhere to the prescribed time limits for cases.
Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyeneh Yuoh also cautioned magistrates against the frequent deferral or granting on continuances in persistent non-support cases, adding that any practicing lawyer will recognize that such actions by Magistrates are unjustifiable.
The Supreme Court, headed by Justice Yuoh, has instituted unannounced visits to Magisterial Courts within their respective areas of supervision to ensure that magistrates and court staff are not only present, but also fulfilling their duties in consistent with the law.
The Chief Justice said:” During my announced visits, I observed that the unnecessary delay in cases due to the tactics of lawyers to procrastinate the judicial processes in a court of limited jurisdiction. The Supreme Court finds it unacceptable for cases to linger before the magisterial courts for periods longer than prescribed by law, simply because of shenanigans.”
The Chief Justice made the remarks recently during the opening of the October Term of Court at the Temple of Justice.
