MONROVIA, Nov. 11 -- Nearly two decades after Liberia's civil war ended, two circuit court judges have issued a sobering warning that the country must not allow its justice system to relapse into the corruption, political interference, inequality and institutional weaknesses that contributed to its violent past.

By Willie N. Tokpah

Their warnings come at a critical moment, as several politically sensitive and high-profile criminal proceedings involving former senior government officials, legislators and other influential personalities continue to test the independence, credibility and impartiality of Liberia's courts.

From the economic sabotage proceedings involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah and the prosecution of former ...