The Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit in Kakata, Margibi County, Mardea Tarr-Chenoweth has stressed that the struggle for justice is a supreme sequence that every government seeks to address in any civilized and democratic nation the world over.

Judge Chenoweth said justice can only prevail in the land if every Liberian acts in manners that demonstrate respect for one another, especially the rights of the poor and helpless in society.

She said in order for justice to prevail, Liberians should have respect for the laws of the land, especially the police, who are always on the frontline in combating crimes.

According to the Liberia News Agency, Judge Chenoweth made the statement when she delivered the Judge's charge during the formal opening of the May term of court recently in Kakata.

During the May Term of court, there are a total of 152 cases on the docket, including 47 criminal and 105 civil cases.

She noted that with the prevailing justice system in the country, the "culture of impunity" has been reduced and the state of violence abandoned, which is leading to the birth of a new nation of tranquility, equality and justice for all.

Speaking on the theme: "For the Sake of Peace, Let Justice Prevail", she added that the gloomy picture of justice in the past has been painted brightly through ongoing reforms in the Liberian judiciary.

Judge Chenoweth said the construction of court houses across the country by UNMIL through its Quick Impact Projects, and the provision of public defenders to assist indigents, who cannot afford to provide lawyers for themselves in court, are all indications of rapid improvement in the justice system after years of civil conflict which led to a total anarchy.

"In as much as there cannot be a congregation without a preacher, there cannot be peace without peacemakers and it is predicated upon this that the government, with help from her partners, has trained the military and para-military officers to enforce the rule of law and peace", the Judge pointed out.

She said if every Liberian wants to see these improvements continue, then justice must prevail so that the peace gained would have lasting sustenance for the betterment of unborn generations.

Meanwhile, Judge Chenoweth has urged family members to serve as agents of peace, adding "Speak and proclaim what is right and develop truth and earnest stump when you stand before justice".

She also called on lawyers to be in court on time to make assignments for their clients' cases to avoid delay in trial process.

She reminded jurors to listen to facts of a given case and do what is right, as their decision determines the outcome of a matter as well as the person under investigation. She cautioned that, "no one should be indicted because of malice, anger, revenge, hatred or reward."

Quoting a Greek philosopher, she said "the only stable state is the one in which all men are equal before the law" and if Liberia is to remain stable forever, the justice system must bring all men together equal before the laws", saying "We must all be the change we wish to see in the world.

In response, Margibi County Attorney Hector Quoigoah assured Judge Chenoweth of his total commitment to working expeditiously in ensuring an even dispensation of justice for all during the term of court.

Counselor Quoigoah is the County Attorney of Nimba, but assigned to Margibi County as part of the rotational exercise of County Attorneys across the country in fulfillment of continuous reforms in the judiciary.