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Neil Gorsuch, with each answer he provides to the Senate Judiciary Committee, confirms his allegiance to the law and its authority, not to the caprices of politicians, fashionable causes du jour or fads

The role of a judge



As United States Supreme Court Candidate Neil Gorsuch is questioned, scrutinized and skewered by the Senate Judiciary Committee this week, the underlying issue that is skirted, and apparently misunderstood by many of the members, is the proper role of a judge. Many seem to think that a sitting justice serves at the behest of politicians, imposing the "correct" thinking of the day according to their interpretation. More or less, they believe a judge should be actively working to promote the enlightened political agenda. Other members appear careful to inquire whether Gorsuch will follow the law irrespective of popular wisdom that is generally anything but wise. Gorsuch, in his opening statement, said that he would be a "faithful servant of the Constitution" and "apply the law impartially." But there is a long legacy of serving the greater good in judging the affairs of men... that greater entity being God.
From the start of Israel's sojourn to the promised land, Moses was not only given the law to share with the people as a moral guide, but he was endowed with the position of judge. He undertook the station seriously but it would have overwhelmed him were it not for the sage advice of his father-in-law to assign duties to leaders within the twelve tribes. The one binding factor for all who sat to hear the grievances and deliver fair verdicts that would keep the peace among some three million people was the law. And what was the enticement for judges to stay true to their duty? God's judgment of them. Long after the kingdom of Israel had been established and suffered division into two states, Jehoshaphat came to Judah's throne wishing to re-establish the people's right standing with God. In order to further this hope and institute order, he appointed judges to guide the affairs of the citizenry to resolve disputes and punish crimes. 2 Chronicles 19:3 Nevertheless there are good things found in thee, in that thou hast taken away the groves out of the land, and hast prepared thine heart to seek God. 4 And Jehoshaphat dwelt at Jerusalem: and he went out again through the people from Beersheba to mount Ephraim, and brought them back unto the Lord God of their fathers. 5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fenced cities of Judah, city by city, 6 And said to the judges, Take heed what ye do: for ye judge not for man, but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. 7 Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts. (italics, mine)

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There is no better model for a judge than the standard Jehoshaphat set for those who would serve in such a vital role. Yet this is completely opposite from what our black robed jurists have often dispensed as judgment from the bench. The injunctions levied by U.S. district judges against the president's executive orders (the commonly termed "travel bans") are proof of the veering from clear law to reliance on emotionalism to render decisions. It has come down to ruling for the reasons that the Lord expressly stood against – respect of persons and taking of gifts, even if the "gift" is powerful people showing the judge preferential treatment. Many jurists walk a tightrope by allowing political convictions to steer their decisions rather than applying neutral consideration of the written law. This is the basis of judicial activism by judges seeking to affect the social order according to personal preference, and it is anathema to a culture grounded in law. By changing the rules and re-interpreting law according to whim or popular trends, the social fabric of the nation is frayed and ultimately unraveled. Neil Gorsuch, with each answer he provides to the Senate Judiciary Committee, confirms his allegiance to the law and its authority, not to the caprices of politicians, fashionable causes du jour or fads. The principle of holding to the law is what commends Gorsuch to attain a seat on the highest court of the land.


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A. Dru Kristenev -- Bio and Archives

Former newspaper publisher, A. Dru Kristenev, grew up in the publishing industry working every angle of a paper, from ad composition and sales, to personnel management, copy writing, and overseeing all editorial content. During her tenure as a news professional, Kristenev traveled internationally as a representative of the paper and, on separate occasions, non-profit organizations. Since 2007, Kristenev has authored five fact-filled political suspense novels, the Baron Series, and two non-fiction books, all available on Amazon. Carrying an M.S. degree and having taught at premier northwest universities, she is the trustee of Scribes’ College of Journalism, which mission is to train a new generation of journalists in biblical standards of reporting. More information about the college and how to support it can be obtained by contacting Kristenev at cw.o@earthlink.net.


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