THE PASSING OF RULES FOR GOVERNING PROCEDURE IN THE COURTS AND FOR REGULATING THE MORAL AND ETHICAL CONDUCT OF LAWYERS AND JUDICIAL CANONS FOR THE GOVERNANCE OF THE CONDUCT OF JUDGES
MADAM CHIEF JUSTICE SCOTT delivered the opinion of the Court.
Once again the Supreme Court has seen the need to revise the ruled of procedure to make the courts more responsive to the changing needs of the people and the society. The outgoing rules which have been in use since 1972 have been very workable. Notwithstanding, time has proven that there is a need to incorporate new rules and amend old ones.
The rules herein contain, for the first time, judicial canons to govern the behavior of judges. The canons almost entirely were prepared by the late former Associate Justice Frank W. Smith. Counsellor Smith, a erudite and dedicated lawyer, twice served this Court as Associate Justice. He served from 1980 to 1985 and the second time was during the process of transition from national crisis and upheaval to democratic constitutional governance from 1994 to 1995.
By the service Counsellor Smith rendered to his clients, and the Executive and Judiciary Branches of Government, he personified continuous self-improvement and the study of the law, integrity and uprightness, dedication and commitment. The judicial canons are an embodiment of Counsellor Smith’s high ideals and values. This is the legacy he has bequeathed to judges and the entire legal profession. I urge all judges to embrace the example of the quality of service Counsellor Smith rendered the judiciary. As judges we must be mindful that our skills, knowledge of the law, integrity and conduct which instill confidence in the judiciary. Let us carry out our duties and conduct our behavior worthy of the of the high office we hold.
One behalf of the Supreme Court, I congratulate the Canons and Law Review Committee for its hard work and commitment. My sincere thanks and appreciation to the members of the Committee, Counsellor Henry Reed Cooper, Chairman, Counsellor Frances Johnson-Morris, Co-Chairman, Counsellor Jonathan Williams, Member and Counsellor David A. B. Jallah, Member. All of you have demonstrated your desire to contribute to excellence in the judiciary and the legal profession.
Wherefore and in view of the foregoing, we the members of the Supreme Court of Liberia hereby adopt and order into full force and effect the Rules of Procedure for Courts in Liberia, Code of Ethics for the Conduct for Lawyers and Judicial Canons to Govern the Conduct of Judges this 22ndday of January, A. D. 1999. And it is hereby so ordered.