Published: May 13, 2026
Gbarnga, Bong County – Assigned Circuit Judge of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Bong County, Joe S. Barkon, has called for sweeping reforms within Liberia’s judiciary, including extending magistrates’ tenure from the current four-year term to an indefinite period to strengthen judicial independence, fairness, and integrity.
Delivering his charge during the formal opening of the May A.D. 2026 Term of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court in Gbarnga, Judge Barkon stressed that an independent judiciary remains critical to ensuring transparent justice, peace and security in Liberia.
Speaking on the theme, “An Independent Judiciary: A Pillar for Transparent Justice, Peace and Security in Liberia,” Judge Barkon said magistrates and judges continue to operate under difficult conditions marked by political influence, manipulation, and inadequate budgetary support.
According to him, judicial officers should be allowed to decide cases “fairly and impartially” without interference from either external or internal forces, particularly from individuals or groups with vested interests in matters before the courts.
Judge Barkon argued that extending magistrates’ tenure beyond the current four-year term would provide greater job security and protect judicial officers from unnecessary political pressure that could undermine their rulings.
“The independence of the judiciary should also be protected, where justices and magistrates should be selected based on a merit system,” Judge Barkon noted. He added that elevation or promotion within the judiciary must be grounded in competence, experience, and proven achievements rather than political connections, family ties, or favoritism.
He warned that promotions driven by political interests rather than merit risk damaging public confidence in the justice system and could create an uneven legal environment in which some parties are unfairly favored over others.
Judge Barkon further maintained that judicial officers must be protected for decisions and rulings made in the discharge of their duties, emphasizing that such protection would ensure their ability to administer justice independently.
Reflecting on the challenges confronting the judiciary over the years, Judge Barkon disclosed that judges have frequently experienced political interference and persuasion while presiding over cases, a practice he said threatens the credibility and neutrality of Liberia’s justice system.
The Ninth Judicial Circuit Court formally opened its May Term amid renewed national conversations surrounding judicial reforms and the independence of Liberia’s courts.
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