By Lincoln G. Peters
MONROVIA, October 12, 2026 — Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has strongly rejected Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr.’s proposal to abolish jury trials in Liberia, arguing that the right is constitutionally guaranteed and cannot be removed through ordinary legislation.
Senator Dillon, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said abolishing jury trials would require a constitutional amendment through a national referendum, rather than a simple legislative action.
His criticism followed remarks by Chief Justice Gbeisay during the formal opening of the Supreme Court on Monday, October 12, at the Temple of Justice in Monrovia.
Speaking in the presence of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and senior government officials, Chief Justice Gbeisay called for reconsideration of the jury trial system, citing persistent allegations of jury tampering, bribery, and interference with judicial proceedings.
The Chief Justice expressed concern that alleged corrupt practices involving jurors undermine fair trials and erode public confidence in the judiciary.
He indicated that the Judiciary would collaborate with the Executive and Legislature to examine possible reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of the justice system.
However, Senator Dillon swiftly challenged the proposal, insisting that the constitutional guarantee of trial by jury cannot be set aside because of weaknesses in the administration of justice.
“Mr. Chief Justice, the fundamental right to trial by jury is constitutionally instructive, as provided in the closing lines of Article 20(a) of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, that ‘the parties SHALL have the RIGHT to trial by jury,'” Dillon stated.
He argued that any attempt to abolish the constitutional right would require a national referendum.
“To ‘dissolve’ or do away with this fundamental right guaranteed by the Constitution will not require simply a ‘legislative action’; it will require a national referendum,” he maintained.
Dillon further argued that the concerns raised by the Chief Justice do not provide sufficient justification for abolishing jury trials or initiating a constitutional referendum.
According to the senator, allegations of jury tampering expose weaknesses in the justice system and the failure of judicial authorities to effectively enforce existing laws against those responsible.
He maintained that the appropriate response should be stronger enforcement and accountability rather than eliminating a constitutional protection.
“By suggesting that ‘jury-tampering’ hurts the intent and purpose for ‘trial by jury,’ for which you are seeking ‘dissolution’ thereof, is simply exposing the weakness of our justice system and failure of the Judiciary to decisively punish alleged doers of the act to serve as deterrent,” Dillon said.
“We cannot simply seek to undo laws because of our failure to summon the courage to implement and enforce the laws,” he added.
The Montserrado County senator concluded that he fundamentally disagrees with any proposal to abolish the constitutional right to trial by jury.
The disagreement raises questions about how Liberia can address alleged corruption within the jury system while preserving constitutional protections and public confidence in the administration of justice.
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