Let me share a story of whats great about our community. There are a couple of values I believe should be integral to the administration of justice â discernment and accountability. The other day, I had the opportunity to be in one of our local police stations when I saw a mother walk in with her daughter (maybe 7 or 8) who was crying hysterically. Instantly it caught my attention, as I saw the mother usher her daughter to the officer on duty. Repeatedly she urged her daughter, Tell them what you did. Tell them what you did! Finally, the young girl, through sobs, blurted out, I took the velcro from the store! I stole the velcro! The officer, showing the compassion that is so often overlooked in people who choose law enforcement as a profession, calmed the young girl down. After doing so, she spoke to her about the need for being honest, respecting other peoples property and the road that poor choices leads to. The officer understood in that instance that a lesson was what was needed. The young girl took to heart what was said, replying, Yes maam, and promised to make good choices from then on. The mother and daughter then left the police station. I left the station that day smiling and feeling proud to live in this district. Mom held her daughter accountable rather than overlooking, excusing or otherwise not addressing her daughters poor choice. The police officer exercised discernment in addressing the situation, pointing out the folly of poor choices and the benefits of good ones. Given the young girls age and support group (mom), a lesson was appropriate. This simple example is indicative of what I believe a judge should do. He or she should gather the facts, assess the situation, apply the law and exercise it in such a way to better our community. Discernment is a critical component of a good judiciary. This discernment is exercised often in our communities (as shown by both the mother and the officer) and should be replicated by its judges in applying the law. This is what I will do as your judge. I will rely on twenty years of experience and thousands of hours in the courtroom to gather, assess, apply and issue judgment accordingly. Correct when necessary and punish when appropriate.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Sep 2014 12:00:01 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015