Overcoming Injustice
by Will G. Woodard~
by Will G. Woodard~
"No
weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that
accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the
servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me, declares the
LORD."
-------Isaiah
54:17
Over
2000 Wrongful Conviction Exoneration
The
National Registry of Exoneration- a joint project of University of
Michigan Law School and Northwestern University School of Law,
estimates there has been over 2,000 wrongful convictions exoneration
since 1989. Their research has found that wrongful convictions occur
because of a number of different reasons; mistake in identity, false
testimonies, coerced confessions, police misconduct- just to name a
few of the more commonly reported reasons. However, the emphasis of
this article will be on “prosecutorial misconduct”, which many
believe is the most disturbing reason for the wrongful convictions.
This level of misconduct, makes the justice system seem to be more
conviction driven than justice conscious.
Prosecutors,
both at the state and federal level, must carry-out very important
duties in their authoritative position as “Ministers of Justice”.
They are entrusted with a significant amount of power. But there are
professional standard and ethical lines they are mandated and
expected not to cross. Particularly, they are not suppose to violate
an accused constitutional right to due process and a fair trial.
PERIOD. However, many of the wrongful convictions that take place
across the country, is the result of prosecutors who deliberately and
sometimes blatantly disregard an accused right to due process. This a
gross abuse of entrusted power. It's saddening, as well as unnerving,
to think that this enormous power is in the hands of many legal
professionals that seem to have no conscious and a disregard for a
another person's life and constitutional rights. It seems criminal
minded, to pursue the imprisonment of a person having knowledge that
person has not committed the crime for which they are standing trial.
Experienced
Defense Attorney Insight
I've
consulted with a number of experienced defense attorneys and
discussed with them how prosecutors make a case against someone. It
was expressed by some that a common practice of prosecutors is to
throw a bunch of circumstantial evidence against the wall in hope
that some of it sticks. But, the real tragic injustice occurs, when
overzealous prosecutors purposely violate an accused person's right
to "due process", in order to make what's been thrown
against the wall remains stuck to the wall. Commonly, evidence in
favor of the accused goes undisclosed to the defense, also knowingly
allowing false testimonies, and there are cases of evidence substantiating the innocence
of the accused being destroyed. As a result of this far common occurrence, many families have to
endure, not only the pain of separation, more often than not there is also
significant financial hardship for these families as well. The worst
consequence; being kids having to grow up with one parent missing in
the home, that would have otherwise been in the home. How could there
be any debate as to whether or not prosecutorial misconduct is a
willful malicious act? How could it not be considered a crime against
society, humanity and justice? Particularly, considering it's effect
on peoples lives and the “unjust justice system” image prosecutor
misconduct creates.
This
kind of injustice occurs often, particularly, when an accused is
unable to afford the cost for committed and aggressive defense
representation. Unfortunately, many court appointed attorneys are
more mindful of the work involved and the little compensation
received than they are the innocence of the accused. As such, more
often than not, the accused is likely to be represented by someone
who is more inclined to want them to accept a plea deal. In effect,
the accused though innocent, becomes a case number in a judicial lets
make a deal game. Many innocent people, for fear of taking the risk
of being convicted and serving significant more time, opt to take a
plea deal for a specified reduced amount of time.
Prosecutor
Accountability and Immunity
Unfortunately,
the justice system allows prosecutors a considerable amount of
immunity- which perhaps is part of the problem. Think about it; if a
person could murder someone for professional gain, feeling protected
by policy from adverse consequences, there would likely be a lot more
murders taking place, don't you think? Don't misunderstand me; I'm
not condemning the justice system. We should thank God and pray for
our Justice system; we should purposely pray for the judges, the
clerks, the prosecutors- all providing service in that arena. These
people show up at work daily to read details, hear testimonies, and
see photos of the worst of the worst that happens in the lives of
innocent victims. Our families would live in ongoing chaotic danger
if there was no justice system. But, like in the best of well meaning
organizations that provide invaluable service to society- there are
some bad apples in the bunch. Men and women, who as it relates to the
accused, remove the justice and humanity factor out of cases- and
winning the case is the only consideration.
More
needs to be done to prevent these tragic abuses of power and
injustice from destroying the lives of undeserving individuals and
their families. Innocent people should not serve as examples to real
criminals. Criminals who cleverly escape prosecution or escape
conviction with aggressive defense representation. Fact is,
prosecutorial misconduct injustice can happen to anyone, including
someone working in law enforcement or government office. It can
happen to you or someone you love. For most people, this epidemic
injustice was not a reality of life until it happen to a family
member or a close friend.
Facing
Prosecution For A Crime You Didn't Commit
If
you're facing prosecution for a crime you didn't commit and you
believe in the power and faithfulness of God, then you have hope and
help beyond the practical resources. You must bear in mind, that no
matter how big the challenge seems to be- it's not bigger than God.
Practically speaking, you must learn as much as possible about your
kind of case, particularly, the charges against you. The more knowledge
you have the better it is for you. Knowledge is power- and it's worth
the time and effort gain relative knowledge when your freedom,
family, and your future is at stake. This is especially true if you
are unable to hire experienced and aggressive defense representation.
You
must engage God right away by asking Him to intervene. If you haven't
done this already, then do it now! It's as simple as going to God in
prayer and there is no special prayer etiquette required. You just
need believe that God exists and that He's able and willing to
protect you from being a victim of injustice. This privilege is
available to you whether you've previously spent lot of time praying
to God, or if it's you're first time ever to pray. The most important
thing is that you be sincere and honest. You can count on God, and
rest assured that if you've asked Him for help trusting that He will,
then God is already working in your behalf.
Take
the time to learn what God has to say in the bible about justice.
Now-a-day, you don't have to study the entire bible to find
information on specific topics. You can google specific topics and
save a lot of time! And it's important that you be patient and
understand that when it seems like God is doing nothing, is likely
when God is doing the most- behind the scenes. TRUST GOD- and he will
lead you in what you should do. Keep your focus on God and not the
problem. Take time daily to give thanks to God in advance, affirming
your desired results- not reiterating the problem. Meditate on God's
word regarding His promises of protection and His Justice. This
mindset will help you be more sensitive to God's guidance. You'll be
able to establish and maintain greater confidence and awareness of
what actions to take and when. There are times you may need to be
pro-active- and times you may need to be still and wait. As you
become more sensitive to God's guidance, you'll have a greater
awareness of both.
It's
essentially important to forgive the person or persons that have
accused you- including the prosecutor. This will help to free you
from thought consuming feelings of revenge and/or resentment.
Forgiving will also help you to relinquish the weight and distraction
of forgiveness, freeing you to use your faith to it's fullest
potential. You'll be enabled to ride the storm with the peace that
surpasses all understanding. The peace that only God can provide when
you trustingly exchange your worries for His peace. You may have to
reestablish your peace and your confidence from time to time and you
can do so by praying and meditating on God's promises. Particularly,
bible promises pertaining to the justice, the power and the
faithfulness of God. In short; you do the natural- and trust God to
do the supernatural. From a practical perspective, God commonly works
through people. Trust that He will provide the people and/or the
resources needed for you to overcome every injustice you may face in
life. Ultimately, the battle is the Lord's if you're trusting God. As
much as possible go on with your life- in fact, aim for the next
level!
I
want to make note; the Department of Justice is reported to be taking
action to hold prosecutors more accountable for prosecutorial
misconduct. Check blog article posts@ www.ministerofjustice.info for
the latest breaking news concerning this action.
---------------
SCRIPTURE
REFERENCES:
"No
weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that
accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the
servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me, declares the
LORD." Isaiah 54:17
"You
intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me
to this position so I could save the lives of many people."
Genesis 50:20
"What,
then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be
against us?" Romans 8:31
“Yet
the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you
compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who
wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18
My friend; there is overcoming power in the word of God. For additional scriptures to meditate, go to the "MOJ QUICK LINKS" menu.
Author, Will G. Woodard, is a retired finance industry professional. Now, he's focused on authoring books, writing articles, speaking and film production. For the past several months he has been writing a novel; "THE STAND"- which was inspired by real events in his own life. The novel is already in negotiations for a movie. See details on Will's book site at: www.willgwoodard.com . Will's objective for all his projects; is to provide biblical insight that encourage and empower people to live at the higher level of life God desires for everyone. You can read other enlightening articles from Will@ www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/1266196 . Visit one of Will's most recent web projects@ www.ministerofjustice.info .
Author, Will G. Woodard, is a retired finance industry professional. Now, he's focused on authoring books, writing articles, speaking and film production. For the past several months he has been writing a novel; "THE STAND"- which was inspired by real events in his own life. The novel is already in negotiations for a movie. See details on Will's book site at: www.willgwoodard.com . Will's objective for all his projects; is to provide biblical insight that encourage and empower people to live at the higher level of life God desires for everyone. You can read other enlightening articles from Will@ www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/1266196 . Visit one of Will's most recent web projects@ www.ministerofjustice.info .
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