TTT Live Online Former Chief Justice Ivor Archie Warns Of Declining Humility In Law And Public Life

Former Chief Justice Ivor Archie is warning of declining humility within public life and the legal profession.

Speaking during a Special Sitting of the Supreme Court held in his honour on Friday afternoon, he noted that people in the profession cannot be good lawyers without humility and compassion.

“I believe you cannot be a good lawyer or a good judge without humility, empathy, and compassion, qualities that appear to be in increasingly short supply in our society and in our profession. The bench is not immune from judicial arrogance either.”

The former Chief Justice, who served for nearly 18 years, said judicial independence is only meaningful when paired with humility — a value he believes is fading.

“Power can be quietly corrosive, can warp perspective, and must be handled with maturity. We need to have a national conversation about partisanship and the loss of grace and respect in public spaces, especially social media. It is tearing us apart, but lawyers and judges play a key role. We must be both exemplars and leaders of that discourse through our judgements, our chairmanship, and our advocacy.”

Current Chief Justice Ronnie Boodoosingh described Mr Archie as a transformational leader whose work reshaped the judiciary and highlighted the deeper meaning of his tenure.

Minister of Justice Devesh Maharaj said Archie’s leadership strengthened the country’s democratic foundations.

“To serve in this role and to sustain that service over many years demands more than legal mastery. It demands judgement refined by experience. It demands independence protected with courage. And it demands endurance.”

Former Chief Justice Ivor Archie officially retired in October 2025 after more than 17 years.

He said he is filled with gratitude after serving on the bench for years, noting that it is not a glamorous life but one filled with isolation.

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