By Anthony Q. Jiffan, Jr
MONROVIA – A nominee for Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Cllr. Boakai Kanneh, has outlined a clear vision for judicial reform, emphasizing the need for an independent, impartial, and politically neutral judiciary.
During his confirmation proceedings Thursday, Kanneh used the platform not only to advocate for his confirmation but also to outline the challenges plaguing the judiciary.
He availed his strategy for addressing them – remarks that appeared to resonate deeply with legal scholars, legislators, and civil society advocates across the country.
“Permit me to remind you all that the major challenge confronting the Liberian Judiciary is its independence,” the nominee stated boldly in his opening, drawing attention to a litany of concerns that have long haunted Liberia’s legal system.
He emphasized that the judiciary must not only be independent but must also appear to be independent to maintain public trust and the rule of law.
He referenced the work of Norwegian jurist Mad Andenas, who argued that judicial independence exists in constant tension with judicial accountability—a balance that must be vigilantly maintained in a constitutional democracy.
“A well-established constitutional compact must respect an independent judiciary and protect it from the influence of the Legislature and the Executive in decision making,” he said, quoting Andenas.
The nominee further stressed that the Judiciary must not just be seen as an extension of the law, but as a necessary arbiter in a balanced government, capable of exercising judicial review when either of the other branches exceeds its authority.
While underscoring the importance of safeguarding the courts from external interference, the nominee also issued a strong call for internal discipline within the judiciary itself.
“Notwithstanding the need to keep the judiciary independent, the judiciary itself must maintain a politically neutral posture,” he warned.
He went on to detail the consequences of judicial overreach and politicization. The they include eroded public confidence, diminished investor trust, and heightened risks to political stability.
“These warnings echoed the sentiments of the late Chief Justice Jonnie N. Lewis, who once stated that judicial integrity, transparency, and professional conditions are crucial for fostering investor confidence and upholding democratic governance,” the Liberia Bar Association president said.
“In order to attract foreign investment, not only should the judiciary rid itself of inefficiency, incompetence, and corruption,” the nominee quoted Justice Lewis. “But officials of the judiciary should work in an environment befitting an arm of government entrusted with the dispensation of transparent justice.”
As the nominee elaborated on his judicial philosophy, he summarized the core attributes of a judge in strikingly simple yet profound terms: “To be a judge requires fundamentally two things: to know the law or know where to find the law, and to be honest and prepared to administer justice without fear or favor.”
Legal analysts applauded this distillation of the judicial ethos, noting that while Liberia has no shortage of lawyers, what the country truly needs are men and women of honor, vision, and steadfast integrity to interpret and apply the law.
Beyond jurisprudence, the nominee pledged to support the Chief Justice and fellow Justices in improving the administrative apparatus of the Judiciary.
“Work at the Judiciary branch of government is not limited to addressing legal issues or the adjudication of cases,” he stated. “On the administrative front, it is my pledge to work… to enhance the work of the Judiciary.”
He acknowledged ongoing issues—limited resources, outdated infrastructure, and bureaucratic inefficiencies—but remained optimistic.
“These challenges are not so insurmountable that they cannot be tackled, resolved or mitigated,” he assured.
Concluding his presentation with respectful humility and confidence, the nominee appealed to the wisdom and discernment of the Senate.
“I harbor no hesitation that in your room of deliberation, you will find me fit and competent to be confirmed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court,” he said.
The address was met with nods and intermittent applauses among the senators, signaling what many observers believe will be a favorable confirmation.
Senatorial sources indicate that a vote could occur within the next week, pending closed-door deliberations.