Liberia, Aug. 19 -- "Justice Is Not a Favor; It Is the Foundation of the State"

By Victoria G. Wesseh

BARCLAYVILLE, Grand Kru County - Resident Judge George Gbeneweleh of the 12th Judicial Circuit Court in Grand Kru County has declared that Liberia's courts must reclaim their constitutional responsibility as promoters of justice, protectors of fundamental rights and guardians of the rule of law.

Judge Gbeneweleh made the assertion Monday while delivering his charge at the formal opening of the August Term of Court in Barclayville, where he spoke on the theme, "The Court as Promoter of Justice."

The judge's address went beyond the customary opening of a court term, focusing on judicial independence, constitutional rights, due process a...