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REFLECTION

The theme for our reflection is just judges. A judge is a public officer appointed to decide cases in a law court. To be just means to act according to what is morally right and fair. As part of the establishment of the various state institutions among the Israelites even as they proceed to settle on their promised land, the Judiciary was one of the cardinal or essential institutions established. Moses instructed the people according to the Law given to Him by God that “You shall appoint judges and officers in all your towns that the LORD your God is giving you, according to your tribes, and they shall judge the people with righteous judgment (Deuteronomy 16:18) In Ghana, Article 125 (1)(3) of the 1992 Constitution establishes the Judiciary and its independence to administer justice on behalf of the people. Article 125 (1) provides that “Justice emanates from the people and shall be administered in the name of the Republic by the Judiciary which shall be independent and subject only to this Constitution. 125 (3) The judicial power of Ghana shall be vested in the Judiciary, accordingly, neither the President nor Parliament nor any organ or agency of the President or Parliament shall have or be given final judicial power.” Due to the unpredictable nature of human beings, laws are made to guide the conduct or behaviour of rational beings towards society’s desired end or aspirations. Judges are appointed to interpret and administer the law to ensure that peace and justice prevail in the country. Pope Paul VI made a profound statement on the World day of peace in January 1972 “if you want peace, work for justice” In other words, without just judges ensuring that justice is served in every case that comes before them, the people will not live in peace but will resolve to taking the law into their own hands leading to a chaotic society.

Fairness or being just is the most important quality of a judge or an adjudicator. In fact, the entire judicial system of a nation is built on the foundation of fairness. A judge will lose his or her credibility and integrity the moment he or she becomes unfair or unjust. It is important to note that what is fair is a matter of law guided by good conscience. A good conscience is shaped and sustained by the fear of God and His commandments in Scripture. For a judge to remain just or impartial in the administration of the law or to ensure justice is served, he or she must “… not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and subverts the cause of the righteous.” (Deuteronomy 16:19). It was important for Moses to emphasise to the people that “Justice, and only justice, you shall follow, that you may live and inherit the land that the LORD your God is giving you.” (Deuteronomy 16:20). Judges must not accept bribe because they will become corrupt and act unjustly. They are human beings and are not immune to the temptation of becoming corrupt due to their love of money and wealth. Every nation needs godly and just judges to ensure that the peace of the nation and the dignity of citizens are preserved. It is for this reason, judges must not be appointed based on political, religious, tribal and ideological affiliations. For Judges to remain just, their independence must be protected and preserved to enable them to administer justice without fear or favour. It is important to also state that some people in society may not be professional judges but do play the role of judges in the discharge of their responsibilities. Examples of these people are pastors, presbyters, catechists, chiefs, teachers, family heads, managers and parents. No matter who are, so long as you are called to perform the function of a judge you must be just or fair in your dealings with the parties. We must continue to pray for our judges because there are times when judges are hated and even attacked or targeted by assailants for the mere fact that they remain uncompromised in their quest for justice. Some just judges receive death threats against them and their family members for administering justice. We must admit that being a just judge is a calling and involves great commitment and selflessness to the point of dying in the pursuit of justice. Christians must be guided by the teachings of the Bible in ensuring that we do what is just or fair in our dealings with our neighbours and anyone we come across in life. This is the will of God for us in ensuring that we have a just and peaceful society. Shalom.

PRAYER

God of justice “…let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream” (Amos 5:24) upon our nation. We pray for wisdom, the spirit of discernment and a justice-driven passion for our judges and all those who perform the role of ensuring that there is justice and peace in our societies and nation. Amen.