�鶹��

Available for over a year

Good morning. First, a jury member fell asleep. Then, another admitted missing vital evidence through tinnitus. When, finally a third juror came down with a seriously infectious illness, the judge presiding at Sheffield Crown Court this week had had enough, and declared a mistrial. Whilst I feel for those now faced with the ordeal of a second trial, the duty of a judge is to ensure the legal process is fair to everyone involved. The more empty seats in the jury box, the harder that is to deliver. That role of the judiciary, not only to be unbiased themselves, but to preside over cases so as to minimise ALL bias, is a longstanding pillar of human society. The Hebrew Scriptures describe Moses setting up judges, to relieve the pressure of people bringing their cases for him to decide in person. Later, Jesus tells of a woman whose sheer persistence persuades a lazy judge to hear her case and grant her justice. One of the key aspects of God in both Jewish and Christian traditions is that of the judge of all humanity. A judge who, my faith tells me, combines justice with mercy. Shorn of impartial, independent judges, justice buckles beneath the weight of the mighty, and the mob. So it grieves me that these two persistent opponents feature so much in the news of late. We see one in the rioting crowds who set fire to churches and homes in Pakistan last week, retaliating after defaced pages of a Quran were allegedly found near a Christian settlement. Many others balk at the restricting of the power of judges to challenge politicians, enshrined in a new and controversial law that’s led to widespread protest across Israel. Closer to home, it’s not very long ago that judges faces were pictured on a newspaper front page with the headline “enemies of the people”. Their offence? Having ruled that the Government had exceeded its constitutional powers. The wigs and robes in which we dress our judges may appear archaic, but like others in uniform, from constables to clergy, they emphasise that the wearer’s authority goes not only beyond their own personality and views, but requires them to set aside all partiality and preference, to properly fulfil their duty. Such duty for me derives from God as supreme judge, the one to whom all who judge are themselves ultimately accountable. And that includes me, when I exercise judicial functions as a bishop. So, let judges be honoured, and not just by the formal title with which we address them in court. And, if you should be summoned to serve at trial as a juror today, please stay awake.