Margibi Senator McGill Seeks Establishment of Magisterial Court in Schiefflin
June 25, 2026
Monrovia: Margibi County Senator Nathaniel F. McGill has submitted a bill to the Liberian Senate seeking the establishment of a Magisterial Court in Schiefflin Town, Margibi County.
The move is aimed at expanding access to justice for residents of the area. In a communication addressed to Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee KarngaLawrence on June 23, 2026, Senator McGill presented draft legislation titled, “An Act to Establish the Schiefflin Magisterial Court in Schiefflin, Margibi County, Republic of Liberia.”
The Margibi lawmaker urged members of the Senate to support the proposed legislation, emphasizing the need to create a conducive judicial environment for residents of Schiefflin, Marshall, Douzon, and surrounding communities.
According to the bill’s preamble, residents within the Schiefflin Magisterial Area currently face significant challenges in accessing judicial services, often traveling long distances to Smell No Taste to have legal matters adjudicated due to the absence of a resident court.
Senator McGill noted that the establishment of the court would enhance law and order, strengthen the protection of citizens’ rights, and promote effective local governance within the affected communities.
If passed into law, the legislation would establish the Schiefflin Magisterial Court with its principal seat in Schiefflin Township and grant it jurisdiction over the entire Schiefflin Magisterial Area, including adjoining communities assigned by law.
The proposed court would exercise all powers and authorities vested in Magisterial Courts under Liberia’s Constitution, Judiciary Law, Criminal Procedure Law, and Civil Procedure Law.
It would operate under the supervision of the Margibi County Circuit Court and the administrative authority of the Supreme Court.The bill further authorizes the President of Liberia to appoint a Stipendiary Magistrate and other Associate Magistrates as necessary.
It also mandates the Judiciary to deploy clerks, bailiffs, sheriffs, and other personnel required for the court’s operations, with logistical and infrastructural support to be provided by the Government.
Additionally, the legislation provides for the transfer of pending cases originating within the Schiefflin Magisterial Area from other Magisterial Courts to the proposed court. Funding for its operations would be included in the Judiciary’s annual budget allocation.
The bill has been submitted to the Senate Plenary for consideration. Senator McGill expressed optimism that members of the Senate would endorse the measure, describing it as a critical step toward improving access to justice for residents of Schiefflin, Marshall, Douzon, and neighboring communities.
Following its first reading, the proposed legislation was formally received and approved for placement on the Senate’s agenda during its next sitting, where it is expected to undergo second reading and further legislative action.
