MONROVIA, Liberia — Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has opposed a proposal by Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay to abolish trial by jury, arguing that the practice is constitutionally protected and cannot be eliminated without following the prescribed amendment process.
In a statement responding to the Chief Justice, Dillon said Article 20(a) of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution guarantees the right to trial by jury, making its removal a constitutional matter rather than a decision that can be taken through ordinary legislative action.
The senator maintained that any effort to eliminate the provision must comply with the constitutional procedures for amendment, including a national referendum.
Gbeisay has raised concerns about jury tampering and its impact on the administration of justice, prompting debate over whether the jury system should be abolished.
However, Dillon argued that such concerns point to weaknesses in the enforcement of existing laws and should not be used to justify removing a constitutional safeguard.
He said allegations of jury interference should be addressed through effective investigations, prosecution and appropriate penalties to discourage misconduct and strengthen public confidence in the judicial system.
The senator further argued that abandoning a constitutionally guaranteed right because authorities have struggled to protect its proper implementation would set a troubling precedent.
“We cannot simply seek to undo laws because of our failure to summon the courage to implement and enforce the laws,” Dillon said.
Reaffirming his opposition to the proposal, Dillon insisted that the right to trial by jury should remain in place unless the country follows the legally established process for changing the Constitution.
His position places the debate over jury trials within a broader question of judicial reform in Liberia: whether shortcomings in the justice system should be addressed by strengthening existing institutions or by removing a constitutional provision.
