By Lloydson G.Flomo
Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has opposed Chief Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay Sr.’s call to abolish jury trials, arguing that the proposal raises constitutional concerns and could fail to address corruption within the country’s justice system.
In a statement responding to the Chief Justice’s proposal on his Official Social media platform on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, Senator Konneh acknowledged concerns about jury tampering and bribery but maintained that strengthening existing judicial procedures, rather than eliminating jury trials, would offer a more appropriate path to reform.
The senator said jury tampering and bribery undermine public confidence in the justice system and can lead to acquittals that contradict the evidence presented in court.
However, the Gbarpolu Senator argued that abolishing jury trials would require constitutional changes, citing Article 20(a) of Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, which guarantees an accused person the right to a speedy, public and impartial trial by a jury of the vicinity.
According to the senator, removing that constitutional guarantee would require an amendment under Articles 91 and 92, including approval by two-thirds of the Legislature and ratification by the Liberian people through a national referendum.
Senator Konneh maintained that the proposed abolition should not be treated solely as a judicial policy matter but as a constitutional issue requiring public participation and adherence to the amendment process.
Beyond the constitutional concerns, the Senator argued that eliminating jury trials would not necessarily eradicate corruption in the Justice System, warning that concentrating decision-making authority in individual judges could leave the judicial process vulnerable to bribery, intimidation and political pressure.
“Corruption follows power,” the senator said, arguing that efforts to address misconduct should focus on strengthening accountability wherever judicial decisions are made.
Instead of abolishing jury trials, the senator proposed a series of reforms aimed at protecting jurors and improving the integrity of jury proceedings as the proposed measures include mandatory sequestration and anonymity for jurors in serious criminal cases, improved juror compensation and protection, prosecution of jury tampering as a separate offense with mandatory custodial sentences, and a transparent, professionally managed jury-selection system.
Senator Konneh said these measures could help reduce opportunities for interference while enabling ordinary Liberians to participate in the administration of justice without fear or undue influence.
The statement also described jury trials as an important safeguard that allow citizens to participate directly in the judicial process and serve as a check on state power.
Against this background, the Senator urged the Chief Justice to submit a comprehensive Jury Reform Act to the Legislature for consideration and also called for public hearings to allow lawmakers, judicial authorities and members of the public to examine the proposed reforms and discuss ways to address long standing concerns about jury trials.
While expressing respect for Chief Justice Gbeisay and acknowledging his concerns about the Justice System, the Senator maintained that abolition should not be the first option noting that the constitutional amendment process remains available if efforts to reform the jury system ultimately prove unsuccessful, but emphasized that strengthening the existing system should be the immediate priority.