On rare days, I get inspired by the integrity exhibited by people in the #justice system. Today is one such day.
By integrity, I mean their faithfulness to their vocation within the system.
I acted pro bono (free) for a low wage migrant worker charged for several offences. It’s a peculiar case. His involvement is minimal and tangential, which the prosecutors accept, but the events resulted in severe harm.
Prosecution initially indicated 12-18 months jail. We said it doesn’t make sense. The charges don’t even seem right. Everyone agreed to go for Criminal Case Resolution (CCR), which is a rarity.
The CCR Senior Judge read every document meticulously and questioned and considered carefully both sides’ submissions.
Charges were amended. Facts were clarified. Prosecution willingly adjusted their sentencing position. The light of justice then emerged. And my client received a low sentence relative to the initial indication from the prosecution. Today, the matter resolved.
In between 2015 (when investigations began) and today, my client’s case was dragged for reasons beyond his control, his mother passed away from Covid before he could go home to see her, his father was hospitalised, and he himself fell sick with Covid.
Soon, God willing, he will finally return home to his family.
I’m grateful for the Senior Judge, the prosecutors, my colleagues, and also the HOME staff who assisted my client, all of whom acted faithfully in their vocations in good faith, attentiveness and excellence.