MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Supreme Court has lifted the suspension on jury trial with immediate effect.

During the height of the Coronavirus crisis in April this year, the Judiciary issued Judicial Order Number Eight, mandating Circuit Court Judges to encourage party litigants to opt for Bench trial.

But, the Supreme Court said the decision is intended to avoid overcrowding of cases at various dockets and to encourage speedy pretrial detainees, especially with people charged with non-billable crimes.

According to our judicial reporter, the court named murder, rape, human trafficking, and armed robbery as crimes that have suspects occupying detention centers with huge numbers.

The High Court is quoted as urging all Circuit Courts and Specialized Courts Judges, as well as Attorney, Counselors and Staff of Judiciary, to strictly comply with the protocols and guidelines.