UNJUST JUDGMENT One should not demand what he himself cannot give. The search for truth is one endeavor that man as a human being would pursue to the highest degree. Yet even as we do so, we fail to realize that the pursuit of truth is in fact a heavy responsibility and not just an ordinary endeavor that we can take lightly. “Veritas” being the premier interest, with it comes the towering standards that must be met before anyone can proclaim the truth. In the judicial system, the primary bastion of certainty in the social world, truth may be declared if and only if the principles of “due process”, “certainty beyond reasonable doubt”, and “preponderance of evidence” are met. Failure to adhere to these tenets is itself a denial/betrayal of truth. With due process, it is imperative to consider as many sides of the issue in an orderly manner before a rational interpretation is given. By certainty beyond reasonable doubt, it must be clear that there is no other possible interpretation of a case so to allow the fallibility of judgment. Having preponderance of evidence establishes that the circumstances are not brought about by chance. It is becoming common practice for people to accuse government officials of corruption and malpractice if ever they, for one reason or another, do not like the person in authority. While accusations are infinite, convincing evidence to the same has never been substantial in most cases yet allegations still persist. Going to the extreme, imaginative minds and scrupulous hands fabricate stories, invent arbitrary proofs, and slant interpretations in their presentation to the public. As a result, an atmosphere of suspicion is gnawing the trust and confidence in government upon which rests the development of society. A perpetuation of baseless rumor and gossip may in time be construed as factual. As the Nazi propagandists have very well exploited this tendency, “lies often told becomes the truth” is a dangerous poison. Every thinking mind then should stand guard against unwarranted conclusions on hearsays that spread around like contagious disease. People should not be too quick to render their enraged verdict but instead consider the standards of due process, certainty beyond reasonable doubt, and preponderance of evidence. We cannot truly “see” if we are blinded by our passions, self-serving interests, and whims. Unless we obtain the necessary wisdom and conduct to become just, both in word and action, we cannot claim ourselves worthy to be recipients and vehicles of justice. Like freedom, we must accept and practice the corresponding responsibility for us to declare the TRUTH. #
Posted on: Wed, 12 Jun 2013 01:20:29 +0000
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