By Comfort M. Johnson
MONROVIA, Aug. 11 (LINA) – The Supreme Court Associate Justice Jameseatta Wolokollie has admonished journalists to stop reporting stories on the judiciary that are not factual, and learn to verify information before writing stories.
Several times many of the journalists report stories on judges without asking them for their side before publishing, it not good for the society, the Associate Justice cautioned.
“The judiciary is part of your country, before writing please verify, because it damages the good image of the country,” she stressed.
“It makes people to not have confidence and credibility in the justice system, and also helps to drive away partners who will want to come to our Courts,” she added.
Justice Wolokollie further stated that the Coronus virus is still around, therefore “we must avoid large social gatherings and keep wearing our masks and washing our hands.”
The Associate Justice warned party litigants not to be loitering around court facilities so as to avoid the spread of the virus in the country.
She, however, pointed out that the Justices are in discussion with health authorities, to put in place some measures in allowing jury sitting for those who are languishing behind prison bar.
The suspending of jury trial was due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the country, so that the courts cannot be crowded with people.
And should only come to do business, they should abide by the measures put in place at the court’s premises.
Justice Wolokollie said some lawyers want jury trial for their clients, while others want jury trial so as to enable them get a speedy trial in their case.
She further indicated that they will be getting back to judges of Circuit Courts on how they would proceed with the jury trial, because those that are placed behind bar should be able to get a trial.
