Montserrado County Senator Abraham Darius Dillon has introduced a bill seeking the establishment of a specialized Claims Court of Liberia, a move aimed at strengthening legal remedies for citizens and institutions seeking compensation from the state.
The proposed legislation titled: Bill titled: “An Act To Establish The Claims Court of Liberia”, was read on the floor of the Senate during Thursday’s session, marking its first reading and formally placing the bill before Plenary for legislative consideration. According to Senator Dillon, the bill is designed as a major legal reform initiative intended to address longstanding issues relating to claims, compensation, restitution, and state liability.
In a communication attached to the bill and submitted to Plenary, the Montserrado lawmaker explained that the measure seeks to give practical effect to constitutional guarantees related to property rights, due process, and access to justice.
He noted that under Liberia’s current legal framework, individuals and entities often face significant challenges in pursuing claims against the government, particularly in matters involving wrongful acts, contractual breaches, or lawful government actions that require compensation.
Senator Dillon emphasized that if enacted, the bill would establish Liberia’s first comprehensive statutory regime governing claims, compensation, restitution, and accountability of the state.
The proposed court would provide clear legal remedies for claimants while also creating a structured framework for fair compensation through a specialized judicial body.
The Bill seeks to give practical effect to constitutional guarantees of property rights, due process, and access to justice by codifying State accountability for wrongful acts, contractual breaches, and lawful takings requiring just compensation.
“This Bill, when enacted, would establish Liberia’s first comprehensive statutory regime governing claims, compensation, restitution, and State liability. It would provide clear legal remedies for claimants and create a framework for just compensation, and identify the specialized court as mandated by Article 26 of the 1986 of Liberia.”, the Senator highlighted in his communication.
Senator Dillon stated that the legislation would help qualify state accountability in situations where individuals or institutions suffer losses due to government actions.
He further explained that the proposed Claims Court would operate under procedures designed to ensure fairness, transparency, and efficiency in adjudicating claims.
The bill also seeks to introduce uniform procedures for the presentation and determination of claims, while setting standards for the assessment of compensation. In addition, it proposes institutional mechanisms aimed at ensuring transparency in the handling of claims while safeguarding public resources.
According to the senator, the proposed court is aligned with provisions of the Liberian Senate and constitutional mandates that call for accountability and protection of citizens’ rights.
The legislation references Article 22 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which guarantees the right to property and protection against unlawful deprivation, as well as Article 20, which provides for due process of law.
Dillon argued that establishing a Claims Court would strengthen public confidence in governance, improve fiscal discipline, and promote fairness in resolving disputes involving the state. He added that the initiative is also intended to address existing gaps in Liberia’s legal system regarding the handling of claims and compensation matters.
“I am of the strongest conviction that this enactment will firmly demonstrate our commitment to respond directly to the longstanding gaps in Liberia’s legal framework on claims and compensation,” the senator said in his communication to the Senate leadership and colleagues.
The bill includes a preamble outlining the constitutional basis for the proposed court. It underscores the need for an accountable governance system and emphasizes the importance of protecting citizens’ rights through a clear and modern legal structure for handling claims against the government.
Meanwhile, following the first reading, as per their rule, the proposed legislation is expected to return to the floor for a second reading in keeping with legislative procedures.
Once the bill undergoes its second reading, the Senate is expected to forward it to the appropriate committees for detailed review, consultations, and recommendations before any final action is taken.
If passed into law, the Claims Court of Liberia would represent a significant development in the country’s judicial and governance framework, potentially providing a specialized forum dedicated to resolving compensation and claims cases involving the state.
