Johnnie Lewis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Johnnie Lewis
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Lewis in 2012
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| 18th Chief Justice of Liberia | |
| In office March 3, 2006 – September 10, 2012 |
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| Nominated by | Ellen Johnson Sirleaf |
| Preceded by | Henry Reed Cooper |
| Succeeded by | Francis Korkpor |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 16, 1946 Greenville, Sinoe County, Liberia |
| Died | January 21, 2015 (aged 68) Monrovia, Liberia |
| Alma mater | University of Liberia L.A. Grimes School of Law Yale Law School |
Johnnie N. Lewis (born April 16, 1946 – died January 21, 2015) was an important lawyer and leader in Liberia. He became the 18th Chief Justice of Liberia, which is the highest judge in the country. He held this job from 2006 to 2012. Before that, he was a judge in a local court.
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Johnnie Lewis's Early Life and Education
Johnnie N. Lewis was born in Greenville, Sinoe County, Liberia. His birthday was April 16, 1946. His father, Roderick N. Lewis, was also a lawyer. His mother, Mary Houston-Lewis, worked as a school teacher. Johnnie grew up with three brothers and two sisters.
He went to St. Joseph's Catholic Elementary School. After that, he attended Sinoe High School.
University Studies and Law Degrees
After high school, Johnnie Lewis went to the University of Liberia in Monrovia. There, he first earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Then, he studied law at the university's Louis Arthur Grimes School of Law. He was the editor of the Liberian Law Journal while studying law. He graduated with honors in 1969.
In the same year, he became a lawyer. Lewis then traveled to the United States. He studied at Yale Law School and earned his Master of Laws degree in 1971.
Johnnie Lewis's Legal Career in Liberia
After finishing his studies at Yale, Lewis returned to Liberia. He was allowed to practice law in front of the Supreme Court of Liberia. He also became a professor at his old law school.
In 1975, President William R. Tolbert, Jr. appointed him as a judge. He became the judge for the Third Judicial Circuit Court in Sinoe County. He took over this role from his father, Roderick, who had passed away.
Changes in Government and Teaching
In 1980, the government changed after a coup. Lewis left his judge position and went back to teaching law. In 1984, he became the dean of the law school. He stayed in this leadership role until 1991. During that year, he also advised the temporary Liberian president on legal matters.
Lewis also worked as a private lawyer. He was a partner at Lewis & Lewis Law Offices in Monrovia. From 1993 to 2003, he lived outside Liberia. He worked with the United Nations in places like Bosnia and Somalia. He also wrote two law textbooks. One was about criminal law in Liberia. The other was about wills and estates.
Becoming Chief Justice of Liberia
In 2006, the Liberian Bar Association suggested Lewis for a very important job. They recommended him to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to become the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Liberia. President Johnson-Sirleaf nominated him in February. The Liberian Senate approved his nomination on March 2, 2006.
Lewis officially became the new Chief Justice on March 3. When he took office, he promised to fight against corruption. He wanted to make the justice system fair and honest.
Key Decisions and Events as Chief Justice
As Chief Justice, Johnnie Lewis made many important decisions. He worked to improve the court system in Liberia.
Actions and Court Rulings
- In April 2006, Chief Justice Lewis dismissed 34 judges in Sinoe County. They had not reported to their assigned courts.
- In July 2006, a car Lewis was riding in was involved in an accident. A pedestrian was hit and died. An angry crowd gathered, and Lewis needed help from the police.
- In January 2007, the Supreme Court made a big decision. With Lewis voting in the majority, the court said that removing House Speaker Edwin Snowe was against the law. They ordered him to be put back in his position. This decision caused some disagreements between parts of the government.
- In August 2007, the court allowed a corruption case against former leader Gyude Bryant to continue.
- In October 2007, Chief Justice Lewis warned newspapers. He said they were misspelling his name and using his pictures wrongly. He threatened to punish editors and writers if it continued.
- In January 2008, the court agreed with the government's choice not to hold local elections. This was because of money problems. The court said the President could appoint mayors for a time. However, they also said elections must happen once money was available. Elections had not been held since 1985.
Johnnie Lewis resigned from the court in September 2012. He said he was having health problems. His last day in office was September 10.
Later Life and Passing
Johnnie Lewis passed away in Monrovia on January 21, 2015. He was on his way to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center. His funeral was held at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Monrovia on February 5. He was buried the next day at his family cemetery in Greenville.
