Kwaku Azar urges judiciary to exercise caution in delivering verdicts

US-based Ghanaian legal scholar Stephen Kwaku Asare, also known as Kwaku Azar, has called on judges to be more careful with their language when delivering verdicts. In a Facebook post titled “Judges Must Be Measured in Their Words” on April 20, 2026, Professor Azar emphasized that careless language could erode public trust in the courts. He stated that courts not only decide cases but also speak for the law, highlighting that judicial language carries significant authority and consequences. Professor Azar cautioned judges against exceeding the scope necessary to resolve disputes, warning that overly expansive or emotionally charged language could shift the court's role from adjudication to moral commentary. He criticized instances where judges used strong character descriptions or introduced subjective considerations into their reasoning, stressing that courts should assess rights, contributions, and fairness, rather than relying on social or subjective judgments. He also raised concerns about judicial commentary that appears to attribute political motives to legislation, which could blur the line between legal interpretation and political analysis. To address these issues, Professor Azar proposed three guiding principles for judicial expression: necessity, neutrality, and institutional awareness. He advised judges to limit remarks to what is required for a case, maintain objectivity, and remain mindful of their constitutional role. He warned that failing to adhere to these p