IPNEWS: Justice Minister Cllr. Frank Musa Dean has condemned in its strongest term and cautioned lawyers across the country to desist from what he calls the ‘’practice of filing frivolous suits to delay justice’’.
Cllr. Dean warns that the ‘courts are not hustled ground for lawyers.
Speaking at the opening of the October term of the Supreme Court, Cllr. Dean stated that they are encouraged by the pronouncement and warning of Chief Justice Yuoh against lawyers and their clients that engaged in filibustering to protonate cases and frustrate justice.
‘’ To end this bad practice and culture, we should consider compensation for the prevailing party who is onerously and strenuously subjected to a frivolous suit. Our courts are not hustled grounds. While procedures are important, as they govern the disposition of matters, they should not be unduly preferred over substance’’ Minister Dean noted.
He pledges the support and cooperation of the Executive Branch of government, stating that it has been said that Montesquieu’s concept of separation of powers does not imply antagonist exclusivity’’ Minister noted.
According to him, lady justice is blindfolded; symbolizing that justice should be rendered without passion or prejudice, therefore, they are encouraged by the speech to deliver, and pronouncement made by Justice Yuoh against filibustering by lawyers and clients to procrastinate cases and frustrate the end of justice.
Cllr. Dean pointed out that thus, it may be necessary to simplify and or dispense with the practice of filing unnecessary motions or resorting to remedial processes to delay justice or hang justice must be discouraged, adding that the practice of filing frivolous suits should be condemned, decried, and finally eliminated.
‘’Madam Chief justice, we are proud as a nation to witness your ascension to the important and most revered position of chief justice. Since Liberia acceded to the United Nations Convention on the Elimination of all forms of discrimination against women, the country has made tremendous progress in promoting gender equality’’ Minister Dean disclosed.
He said that women are found in powerful positions in the government, and they have strengthened the laws to end violence against women. He pointed out that the rape law, the children’s law, and the domestic violence law are all being vigorously enforced.
‘’ There is now a gender section in almost every ministry and agency of government. The proposed 30% gender quota in the legislature will soon be signed into law. However, thanks to President Weah, feminist in chief for this laudable achievement’’ Minister Dean lamented.
He said that he and his team at the Ministry of Justice welcomed welcome the chief justice renewed commitment to continue to dispense justice without fear or favor, adding that they commend her readiness to continue to treat all party litigants appearing before her equally, without regard to status, whether rich or poor. By: Taisiah K. Merfee
