KAKATA, Margibi- The Resident Judge of the 13^th Judicial Circuit in Margibi, Mardea Tatt-Chenoweth has called on citizens to respect the rule of law in order to maintain post-war peace.

Speaking in Kakata at the opening of November term of the court, Judge Tarr-Chenoweth said there can be no peace in society without total respect for the rule of law.

“Without the rule of law, it would be survival of the fittest,” she said.

She said it was disheartening that some citizens manhandled officers in Johnsonville who had gone to effect court orders. She added that such action had the propensity to scare away potential investors. She spoke on the theme: “Respect for the Rule of Law, an Obligation for every Citizen”.

The Judge added that when the rule of law that is meant to govern society is not respected, such society is bound to become lawless. She meanwhile used the occasion to call on citizens to at all time respect the rule of law in order to paint a more positive image of the country.

“Where are we headed to when the court cannot enforce judgment passed by it after adjudicating cases, and justice for other citizens interest is thwarted by others that have no respect for court’s decision,” she wondered.

She disclosed that the judiciary remains the conduit for a stabilized nation, thus making it imperative for all to be respecters of the law.

Also, making remarks on behalf of the Ministry of Justice, Margibi County Attorney and Dean of the local bar association, Counselor Deddeh Wilson promised to work with the court to ensure that the rule of law is upheld and fully respected. She also promised to work with the court during the November term to ensure that justice is dispensed without any fear or favor.

She reminded citizens of the over crowdedness of prisons across the country and called on them to respect the rights of one another as the beginning of decongesting the prisons.

“The way forward is justice and not reverting to mob justice or other acts that are not in conformity with the rule of law”, Counselor Wilson also stressed.

A total of 59 cases including 47 criminal cases are currently on the docket for trial during the November term.

Feature Photo Courtesy: Richard Baysah