Heroes Of Judgement

I sat with my thumbs on my chin as I listened to the other eleven jurors in the room agree on the suspect’s guilt. I couldn’t take it anymore.

“If this man is condemned today,” I finally said loudly, “we are all condemned tomorrow.” Startled by my sudden outburst, the other jurors turned to me puzzled. I continued. “Justice will have failed to serve its purpose of protecting the innocent and criminals will no longer fear repercussions for their crimes.” I stood up from my seat shaking slightly.

“A justice system is only as good as those who uphold it. Ours is what sets us apart from that of the criminal world where justice is based on subjective opinions, power, and greed. Our system is built on truth and moral values and the belief that a person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

Has this suspect therefore been proven guilty? Is there such sufficient evidence that his guilt cannot be questioned? Would you sleep well at night if a month from now you learned that you had condemned an innocent man because you chose to make a hasty decision before all the evidence could be uncovered? Surely not. You are not villains who decide who is guilty based on how the verdict benefits you.

I believe that everyone here is good-hearted. I believe you have justice in your hearts. I know you believe in the rule of law; justice for the innocent. Perhaps today your minds are distracted with things at home or work and you would prefer to get this over with so you can return to those things. Yet let us not forget that it is you who are responsible today for the justice of the world. Today it is you who send a message to the villains of the world, that here, the innocent are defended and criminals are condemned. You, my fellow jurors, although you may not own a cape or wear a badge, are the heroes of the innocent and their families. Therefore, let us demand further evidence and proof so that if this man be not our murderer, another innocent life will be protected. A clear message will further be sent to villains everywhere that justice may indeed be only as good as those who uphold it, but for now, those who uphold it are still good.”

There were a few grumbles from my peers; a couple annoyed faces. Some of them clearly didn’t like what I had to say.

“Let’s take a vote then,” a young woman said into the group. “Raise your hand if you think we ought to stay the course and convict this man with murder.” Several hands came up. I could hear a few disgruntle comments being made in my direction. I didn’t see how many hands were raised because I was too busy staring at my feet.

“Alright,” she continued. “Now, please raise your hand if you’d like to demand further evidence.” She was standing next to me. I noticed from the corner of my eye that she raised her hand. Again, I could hear a few comments being made. Some sounded nice while others sounded grumpy. A few seconds passed by.

“Ok, that settles it!” She said. I braced for impact. “I will inform the judge of our verdict.” Emotion swelled within me. The sense of injustice overtook me. I considered leaving. I didn’t want to be there for the sentencing of a man who may very well be innocent.

“Hey, great speech!” The young woman suddenly whispered to me. “I guess this means we’ll be here for a while longer, but it’s like what you said, ‘protection for the innocent’ and all. Thanks for speaking up.”