Liberian judiciary strengthens public awareness and funding for judicial reform

Chief Justice Youh emphasized the importance of educating the public on the judiciary’s mandate, as many people turn to the courts for solutions on issues beyond its scope, especially when dissatisfied with policy decisions or wealth distribution between government branches.

Upon her appointment in 2022, Youh said she launched a campaign to improve public understanding of the judiciary’s role and accessibility to justice. She described efforts to “rebrand the judiciary,” aiming to strengthen the public’s perception and encourage citizens to advocate for judicial support. 

One new initiative is an expansion of the judiciary's online presence, where Supreme Court opinions are now posted on the judiciary’s website to improve transparency.

The judiciary has also prioritized informing the public about resources like the Judicial Inquiry Commission, which addresses complaints against judges, and the Ethics Committee, which handles issues of legal misconduct.

Regarding budgetary challenges, Youh noted that funding for the judiciary has historically been limited. However, she expressed optimism for future budgets, aiming for a collaborative approach with other government branches in the allocation process.

The Financial Autonomy Act, which previously allowed the Ministry of Finance to determine the judiciary’s budget, has been revised to enable the Supreme Court to present its own budget, ensuring the judiciary's participation in financial planning.

In collaboration with civil society, including the International Development Law Organization (IDLO), the Liberian judiciary is addressing gaps in judicial services.