Monrovia – President Joseph Boakai has taken a significant step towards closing the gender gap and halting male dominance on the Supreme Court Bench by nominating Judge Ceaineh Clinton-Johnson as Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia.
On June 21, the Executive Mansion announced the nomination of Judge Clinton-Johnson, pending confirmation by the Liberian Senate. In the announcement, President Boakai called on Judge Clinton-Johnson to continue demonstrating diligence, commitment, integrity, professionalism, and loyalty in her service to the country.
The nomination of Judge Clinton-Johnson follows the vacancy created by the death of former Associate Justice Joseph Nagbe. Prior to her nomination, Judge Clinton-Johnson served as Resident Circuit Judge of Criminal Court ‘E’, 1st Judicial Circuit Court, during the May Term of Court. If confirmed by the Senate, her appointment will increase the number of female justices on the Supreme Court bench to three, leading to female dominance on the bench.
Currently, the Supreme Court bench comprises two females and two males: Chief Justice Sie-A-Nyene Yuoh, Associate Justice Jamesetta H. Wolokolie, Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba, and Associate Justice Yamie Quiqui Gbeisay, Sr.
Who is Judge Ceaineh Clinton-Johnson?
Judge Ceaineh Clinton-Johnson has served in various legal capacities before her nomination to the Supreme Court. During the February Term of Court, she was assigned as Judge of the 13th Judicial Circuit Court in Margibi County. Between 2006 and 2007, she served as Deputy Minister of Public Safety at the Ministry of Justice before being appointed as a judge.
Despite her accomplishments, Judge Clinton-Johnson has had a contentious relationship with the media. Journalists covering the Temple of Justice have often clashed with her due to her “belligerent” attitude, frequently ordering reporters out of her courtroom during major cases. One journalist, preferring anonymity, recounted instances where she would demand the removal of journalists from the courtroom.
In July 2022, the New Republic reported that Judge Clinton-Johnson was accused of juror tampering in a case she presided over. The report alleged that she disbanded jurors without allowing them to confirm their verdict in open court, a practice contrary to standard legal procedures. This action led to a motion for a new trial by the defense counsel.
Despite these controversies, Judge Clinton-Johnson is known for her toughness and firm stance on major court decisions. In August 2018, she issued a writ of summons against then Margibi County District One Representative Tibelrosa Tarponweh for contempt of court, highlighting her no-nonsense approach.
While serving at the Rape Court, Judge Clinton-Johnson gained attention for dismissing several rape cases due to lack of evidence, criticizing the prosecution for presenting weak cases.
The confirmation of Judge Clinton-Johnson now rests with the Liberian Senate, which will decide whether she will join the Supreme Court and contribute to closing the gender gap on the bench.to closing the gender gap on the bench.
