Our System of Justice

        We as judges we have two critically important mandates.  The first is to do Justice based upon the facts and law of the case and the ethics of our profession.  But the second is equally important, and that is for anyone who cares to believe that Justice has been done.  Our other law enforcement officers have similar mandates.  When I was being interviewed to be a federal prosecutor in Los Angeles, it was firmly stressed that prosecutors must strive to do the right thing for the right reason – every time.  We may make mistakes along the way, but if we were trying to do the right thing our supervisors would “have our backs.”  However, if we were acting politically or for personal or other biased reasons, we would be held accountable.  In my life today I often have the opportunity to speak to judges, prosecutors and police officers, and I always try to stress the importance of these mandates.

        Tragically in many ways our country seems to have gotten away from this approach.  And if people even think that any of our judicial systems, prosecutors or police officers are acting politically, it is a terrible thing for our Way of Government.  And, regretfully, in today’s world there is a basis for people to draw these conclusions.  The remedy is not only publicly to stress these mandates, but also for us all to insist that when a question is raised about, for example, whether elections were stolen, or what the motivation was for people entering the nation’s Capitol Building on January 6, 2021, we should immediately convene an investigation.  And this investigation must be done publicly, with the results being truthful, letting the “chips fall where they may.”  And it is our duty as citizens to insist that all of these things be done, without exception.  Why, because, once again I say, it is our government, and if it is not working we have no one to blame but ourselves. 

      Saying for the Week: Seen on a pillow on a front yard deck chair in Newport Beach, CA: VITAMIN SEA