Wednesday, June 4, 2003
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Wednesday, June 4, 2003 |
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A blessing for the 'caring' judge By JOHN HATCHER Recently I was in State Court here in Fayette County. I was there as a minister accompanying the great-grandson of one of my church members. Since I arrived early I was able to hear several cases as they made their way before State Court Judge Fletcher Sams. Although the sound system was not working that day in the new multi-million dollar courthouse, I could still hear what was being said. Basically I was struck with the courtroom decorum of Judge Sams. I realize judges rarely get any kind of positive public comment, but I feel compelled to use this column to share with the readers how proud we all should be with the likes of Judge Sams. First, he is real. In dealing with case after case, I got the impression that this man really lives in the world give and take, good and evil, laughter and tears. Knowing the intensity of any courtroom proceeding, he is quicker with a smile than a scowl. In fact, his scowls are more expressions of disappointment than severe punishments. He's approachable even in court. I know some judges get the reputation of being a "hanging judge" and they like that reputation. I think Judge Sams is a "caring judge." In one case, the judge demonstrated he knew his facts. One young lady contended that the reason she tested positive for marijuana use was that she had attended a party where marijuana smoke was heavy in the air. Judge Sams rattled off the facts of a scientific nature proving it was impossible for her to have such high drug content just from second-hand smoke. Thereafter, he gave this young lady the opportunity to change her plea from not guilty to guilty. Faced with the facts, she confessed to the personal use of marijuana on the day of question. The judge's "one of the boys," demeanor does not mean he left his brains and education outside the courtroom. My second point being, he is a sharp cookie. Third, the judge demonstrates a fatherly instinct. As young men and women made their way in front of the bench, he would consistently implore them to leave their lives of lawlessness. More than once, he would say, "I don't want to see you here again." He cares for these young people and it's evident that his heart seeks to reach out to them. In the few moments he has with each defendant, Judge Sams tries to strike a personal tone, pointing each one to their positive possibilities in contrast to their current circumstances. Fourth, it was very apparent that he looks out for the greater community. As drug users made their way before the bench, the judge would ask for the name and address of their drug source. When defendants were reluctant to reveal their source, the judge would remind them just how many days he could put them behind bars. In several cases, that reality joggled their memories and they were able to identify their sources for drugs. Even on the bench, he's a good investigator. Now, you may ask, what's a religion column to do with a local judge? I just wanted to speak a blessing over a public servant that is doing a good job in the context of a compassion for people and a commitment to the law. In "Fiddler on the Roof," the question was asked, "Is there a blessing for the Czar?" The answer was "Yes, may the Lord bless and keep the Czar far from us." Here's my blessing for Judge Sams: "May the Lord bless you and your family and may the Lord always keep you fair, honest, and caring." John Hatcher is pastor of Outreach International Center 1091 South Jeff Davis Drive Fayetteville, Georgia 30215 770-719-0303 |
