The Power of Authority

Power of Authority

The very core of our justice system is built upon the institutions of law enforcement. Comprised of highly qualified and trained individuals, entrusted with the full-time responsibility of using their power and authority to serve and protect the interests of those they represent. Therefore, whether on-duty or off, they are rightfully held to a higher standard. However, that does not mean they are deserving of our blind trust or allegiance. Should we cave-in to that temptation, we surrender our obligation to ensure that justice is done each and every time. 

Prosecutors in particular, have more power and control over life, liberty, reputation and freedom than any other person in society. When at their very best they can be a very valuable asset to our system of justice. However, when they engage in acts of malice and misconduct, they can be one of the worst. In doing so they abuse their authority by bending, breaking, or creating their own rules. At times, even justify committing criminal acts, all in the name of justice. Thereby, undermining the integrity and jeopardizing the entire system they swore to uphold. To make matters worse, they may actually believe they’re doing the ‘right’ thing. Yet, they engage in their misconduct surreptitiously, while hiding behind the shield of their authority knowing it’s unlikely, they’ll ever be held accountable.

Understandably, police and prosecutors have a very difficult and demanding job. While the majority of these men and women work effectively within the constraints of the law, in accordance with their oath of office, there are others who do not. Therefore, society’s trust and allegiance must be earned. Especially now, when the tactics of law enforcement have fallen under heavy scrutiny, with protests springing up all across the country. Appealing for justice or crying out against injustice. Together, making their demands for much needed change.

It’s been said that ‘trust, once lost, is like a stone that’s been cast, a word that’s been said or a time after it’s gone.’  In-other-words, it can’t be restored.

Unfortunately, when errors or wrongful acts are discovered during the pursuit of justice, they’re often viewed as a failure or sign of weakness. Then sadly, often remedied by turning a blind-eye, avoiding, ignoring, rejecting, denying or even hiding their existence. In-as-much, the integral foundation of our justice system is threatened. Likely resulting in a miscarriage of justice. Fortunately, there is an alternative. Where the discovery of any error or wrongful act is viewed, not as a failure or sign of weakness but rather, an opportunity to fix it. In-as-much, when you know something is ‘not right’ – ‘not just,’ there’s a moral obligation to do something about it.  In-other-words, if somethings wrong; make it right.