Monrovia, – Judge Eva Mappy-Morgan, the Chief Judge of the Commercial Court has called for a substantial push to fully integrate technology into Liberia’s justice system, emphasizing that modernization is key to strengthening the rule of law.
Delivering the keynote address at the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) convention held at the Temple of Justice, Judge Morgan compared outdated judicial systems—plagued by slow computers and manual processes—to those with electronic filing, digital records, and sufficient technical capacity. “Think how this adds to assisting justice,” she said and emphasized: “This is fundamental to how we uphold the rule of law.”
Rule of Law Starts with Daily Actions
Judge Morgan stressed that strengthening justice is not just an institutional duty but a collective responsibility. She urged citizens to adhere to basic laws, such as obeying traffic signals, complying with police orders, and maintaining public order.
“Rising together to strengthen the rule of law is not as urgent as we believe—we already have the power to enforce it,” she said. “You go to work on time and do the job you are paid to do. Rights must align with the laws that grant them.”
The judge also denounced mob violence and the spread of misinformation, warning against using public platforms to incite hatred. “Stop using public space to disseminate lies and fuel hatred. Just stop,” she said firmly. “When hurt, the answer is not mob justice. Civilization depends on human rights, dignity, and respect for the law.”
AFELL Recognized for Advocacy
Judge Eva Mappy-Morgan commended AFELL for its relentless advocacy for women, girls, and aging persons, noting its critical role in promoting access to justice. “Indeed, we applaud AFELL, the Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia for sustaining its mission on the advocacy of women, girls, and aging persons,” she said.
The Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia (AFELL) hosted its annual convention and officer elections under the theme: “Rising Together to Strengthen the Rule of Law for Justice.” The event brought together legal practitioners, government officials, and international partners to discuss challenges facing women and children in the justice system.
The newly elected AFELL leadership (2025) includes: President: Cllr. Philomena Tugbe Williams, 1st Vice President: Cllr. Bowoulo Taylor Kelley, 2nd Vice President: Cllr. Evelyn Lah Gongloe, Secretary General: Cllr. Sundaiway N. Amegashie, Treasurer: Cllr. Isabel B. Diggs and Chaplain: Cllr. Tonieh Talery Wiles.
AFELL honors female legal icons
AFELL’s convention displayed the recognition and honoring of prominent female lawyers for their support to the association (AFELL) over the period.
Lifetime achievement awards were presented to legal icons such as; Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Youh, Associate Justice Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie, Associate Justice Ceaineh D. Clinton Johnson, Former Associate Justice, Felicia Coleman, Former Chief Justice Francis Johnson Allison, Cllr. Deweh Gray, Cllr. Elizabeth B. Nelson, Cllr. Pearl Brown Bull among others. Excellence in leadership awards were also given to Cllr. Lois Lewis Brutus, Cllr. Teplah P. Reeves, Cllr. Sumo Izetta Wesley, Atty. Vivian Neil, among others.
The Association of Female Lawyers (AFELL) was established on February 10, 1994, during the civil crisis as a non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political organization duly incorporated under Liberian laws.
AFELL’s mission is to advocate for the promotion, protection, and advancement of the rights of women, children, and indigent persons. AFELL core units are the legal aid clinic and the Sexual Gender-based Violence (SGBV) unit.
As a membership-based, nonpolitical, not-for-profit, non-governmental organization of women lawyers, provides pro bono legal services for the benefit of marginalized women and disadvantaged children. AFELL has championed the advancement of access to justice to promote human rights issues, specifically targeting women and children as it relates to the prevention and elimination of all forms of violence, women’s participation in politics/leadership, gender insensitive laws reform, and child protection amongst others.
