(iv) that when property taken for public use ceases to be so used, the Republic
shall accord the former owner or those entitled to the property through such
owner, the right of first refusal to reacquire the property.
b. All real property held by a person whose certificate of naturalization has been
cancelled shall escheat to the Republic unless such person shall have a spouse
and/or lineal heirs who are Liberian citizens, in which case the real property shall
be transferred to them in accordance with the intestacy law.
c. The power of the Legislature to provide punishment for treason or other crimes
shall not include a deprivation or forfeiture of the right of inheritance, although its
enjoyment by the convicted person shall be postponed during a term of
imprisonment judicially imposed; provided that if the convicted person has minor
children and a spouse, the spouse or next of kin in the order of priority shall
administer the same. No punishment shall preclude the inheritance, enjoyment or
forfeiture by others entitled thereto of any property which the convicted person at
the time of conviction or subsequent thereto may have possessed.
Article 25
Obligation of contract shall be guaranteed by the Republic and no laws shall be
passed which might impair this right.
Article 26
Where any person or any association alleges that any of the rights granted under
this Constitution or any legislation or directives are constitutionally contravened,
that person or association may invoke the privilege and benefit of court direction,
order or writ, including a judgment of unconstitutionality; and anyone injured by
an act of the Government or any person acting under its authority, whether in
property, contract, tort or otherwise, shall have the right to bring suit for
appropriate redress. All such suits brought against the Government shall originate
in a Claims Court; appeals from judgment of the Claims Court shall lie directly to
the Supreme Court.
CHAPTER IV CITIZENSHIP
Article 27
a. All persons who, on the coming into force of this Constitution were lawfully
citizens of Liberia shall continue to be Liberian citizens.
b. In order to preserve, foster and maintain the positive Liberian culture, values
and character, only persons who are Negroes or of Negro descent shall qualify by
birth or by naturalization to be citizens of Liberia.
c. The Legislature shall, adhering to the above standard, prescribe such other
qualification criteria for the procedures by which naturalization may be obtained.