Liberia: The Speluncean Delusion – How Politics’ Fixation On Knowing the Judge Is Destroying Judicial Integrity

The ongoing intellectual debate ignited by President Joseph Boakai’s maxim “a brilliant lawyer knows the law, but a good lawyer knows the judge” has given the public a rare and fascinating window into the soul of legal philosophy.

Following heavy criticism from the eminent Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, Minister Cllr Jerror Cole Bangalu stepped into the breach to defend the President’s remarks. In a well-reasoned, highly articulate defence, Cllr. Bangalu argued that “knowing the judge” does not imply…