Justice Minister Cllr. Francis Johnson-Morris says the hallmark of her administration will be respect for human rights and the rule of law.

Cllr. Johnson- Morris said no one person will be presumed guilty until proven so before a competent court of jurisdiction.

Cllr Johnson- Morris made the statement yesterday when she officially took over the affairs of the ministry.

Cllr. Johnson- Morris, a former Chief Justice of Liberia, stressed the need for local and international partners to collaborate in building a genuine justice system in the country.

She said such a system would benefit Liberians and foreign residents within the borders of the country.

The new Justice Minister promised to enhance a system that would encourage networking among law enforcement agencies to e nsure transparent justice.

She said the Ministry of Justice will not be a place to try cases that fall under the jurisdiction of the courts.

Cllr. Morris stressed the need to upgrade police depots in and around the country and turn prison centers into vocational institutions.

The Justice Minister also promised to strengthen the Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization and upgrade it to its pre-war status.

United States Embassy's Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. Louis Mazel, who was in attendance, pledged the US government support to the government and people of Liberia.

Mr. Mazel said with the numerous praises heaped on Cllr.

Johnson-Morris at the ceremony, and considering her capability and leadership ability, he believed transparency would be the hallmark of her administration.

Touching on the 2005 elections in Liberia, the deputy chief of mission said that Liberia's election was the best in Africa and if not, the rest of the world.

The program was graced by officials of the Liberia National Bar Association, United Nations Rule of Law Task Force, UNMIL Police Commissioner and prominent Liberians.