MONROVIA, Liberia — Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay has called for the abolition of Liberia’s jury trial system, citing persistent allegations of jury tampering and corruption that he says threaten the administration of justice.

Speaking Monday during the opening of the Supreme Court’s October Term in Monrovia, Chief Justice Gbeisay urged the Legislature to consider whether the current jury system can continue to deliver the justice Liberians deserve.

He argued that juries, which are intended to protect the rights of accused persons by allowing their peers to determine cases, can undermine justice when their decisions are allegedly influenced by bribery, threats or other forms of interference.

“A corrupt jury is worse than no jury at all,” Gbeisay declared, warning that continued jury tampering could make successful trials in both civil and criminal cases increasingly difficult.

The Chief Justice cited reported incidents in several judicial circuits involving rape and drug-related cases, as well as suspected jury tampering in Criminal Court “C” in Montserrado County.

He said the repeated allegations demonstrate the need for urgent action to protect the integrity of jury deliberations and restore public confidence in court decisions.

Gbeisay’s concerns come amid controversy surrounding the US$6.2 million economic sabotage case involving former Finance Minister Samuel D. Tweah and four co-defendants.

On May 8, 2026, a jury acquitted Tweah and former Financial Intelligence Agency Comptroller Moses P. Cooper, while other defendants received different verdicts on various charges.

The verdict subsequently came under scrutiny after concerns about alleged jury misconduct prompted an inquiry. Three jurors reportedly raised concerns about fellow jurors’ use of mobile phones in restricted areas and communications with people associated with the defendants.

On July 21, Criminal Court “C” Judge Ousman F. Feika set aside the acquittal and ordered a retrial, citing jury tampering and misconduct. The judge also ordered the arrest of the 15 jurors who served on the case.

Defense counsel Cllr. Arthur Johnson challenged the ruling, arguing that the judge lacked the authority to recall the jurors after their discharge and vowing to take the matter to the Supreme Court.

In August, the Supreme Court temporarily suspended further proceedings in Criminal Court “C” pending consideration of a petition for a writ of prohibition. A final decision resolving that challenge could not be independently verified as of October 13, 2026.

Against this backdrop, Gbeisay called on the Legislature to examine the future of jury trials, while urging the Judiciary, Executive and Legislature to work together to address alleged interference with jurors.

However, the proposal raises significant constitutional questions. Articles 20(a) and 21(h) of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution protect the right to a jury trial in specified circumstances, including criminal proceedings.

Any move to abolish the system would therefore require careful legal and constitutional consideration.

The Chief Justice’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the challenge of safeguarding the rights of accused persons while ensuring that jury decisions remain independent and free from improper influence.