Judge Dixon Demands Tougher Laws -Dixon Pushes Anti-Tampering Legislation

By Frank P. Martin

CESTOS CITY, RIVERCESS CO.: A Circuit Court judge has called for new legislation (law), criminalizing jury tampering, warning that, influencing jurors threatens Liberia's justice system and fair trials.
The Assigned Circuit Judge, A. Blamo Dixon has called on the national legislature to enact a law specifically criminalizing jury tampering, describing the practice as a grave threat to the integrity of Liberia's judicial system.
Speaking during the opening of the August Term of the 14th Judicial Circuit Court in Rivercess County, Judge Dixon emphasized that the constitutional right to trial by jury must be protected from unlawful interference.
"Trial by jury is a fundamental right that is inviolate and cannot be curtailed by any judge or court of law," he declared.
Judge Dixon described jury tampering as any unlawful attempt to influence a juror or the composition of a jury through bribery, intimidation, threats, unauthorized communication, or the introduction of outside information intended to affect a verdict.
"Jury tampering is an illegal attempt to influence a jury's decision or composition through actions like bribery, intimidation, or unauthorized contact. It undermines the fairness of a trial," Judge Dixon added.
Although, Liberia amended the country’s jury law after the civil war to permit criminal verdicts based on the agreement of nine of twelve jurors, Judge Dixon said, the country's legal framework still lacks a specific statute making jury tampering a standalone criminal offense.
According to him, the reform—introduced following recommendations by the Ministry of Justice and the former United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL)—was intended to reduce the incidence of hung juries and curb attempts to manipulate jurors.
However, he argued that stronger legislation remains necessary.
"The New Judiciary Law is silent about jury tampering. The New Penal Code is also silent about jury tampering. Therefore, it is the responsibility of state and judicial actors, together with the Law Reform Commission, to make jury tampering a criminal offense," he stated.
Judge Dixon disclosed that allegations of jury tampering had previously surfaced in Montserrado and Bomi counties, adding that judicial investigations confirmed the allegations and appropriate disciplinary actions were taken against those involved.
He warned jurors, lawyers, litigants, court personnel, and members of the public to refrain from any conduct that could compromise the integrity of jury proceedings.
"The law shall take its due course when you are caught and it is established that you are involved in such acts," he cautioned.
Judge Dixon also reported that the court disposed of six of the eleven cases pending during the May Term, attributing the achievement to the cooperation of prosecutors, public defenders, court staff, and residents of Rivercess County.
He officially declared the August Term of the 14th Judicial Circuit Court open and reaffirmed the judiciary's commitment to administering justice impartially, in accordance with Liberia's Constitution and the rule of law.