Judges’ criticism unfairly costs pardoned convict a court appointment – ​​Macomb Daily

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It is not difficult to understand the symbolism of the Lady of Justice.

Although dating back to Greek and Egyptian antiquity, the Lady of Justice can now be found as statues in some courthouses and as drawings or photographs in many courthouses, law firms and establishments. of legal education.

Although some aspects have changed over the years, the Lady is usually depicted wearing a robe, wearing a blindfold, holding scales in one hand and a sword in the other.

The headband represents the impartiality and objectivity of the law. Justice is blind to external factors, such as politics, wealth or fame. At least that’s how it should be.

Scales are set evenly, a symbol to indicate that courts weigh all evidence before making decisions.

The sword, historians say, shows application and respect. The double-edged sword means that justice can rule against either side based on evidence.

The juxtaposition between the Lady of Justice and the recent actions of a Michigan Supreme Court justice blind to the law is difficult to understand.

Richard Bernstein, re-elected in November, criticized Judge Kyra Harris Bolden, appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer to fill a vacancy on the court, for hiring a clerk who was convicted of robbing and shooting a police officer in 1994.

Those actions, particularly the shooting of a cop (who was not hit), should have disqualified Peter Martel from working for the state’s highest court, Bernstein said.

Police, prosecutors, judges and defense attorneys have long debated the primary purpose of our criminal justice system. Is the main objective punishment or rehabilitation?

Too often we hear of parolees released from prison to return to commit other crimes.

Peter Martel, however, is a great example of how the justice system should work.

He was punished and rehabilitated.

After his 1994 conviction, Martel used his time in prison to read and study law.

After his parole in 2008, he became an advocate for better prison conditions and worked for the State Appellate Defender Office.

He graduated from law school in 2016 and, according to a published report, has a dual doctorate. in public policy and sociology.

Martel is a convicted felon who turned his life around.

Bernstein, meanwhile, has come under fire from Detroit’s NAACP and the Michigan Progressive Womens Caucus.

Additionally, both Detroit newspapers printed letters to the editor taking Bernstein to task.

Bernstein’s proud and vocal bias in favor of the police and military renders him incapable of blind justice in relevant cases, regardless of what he says, Gregory Ptucha wrote in part to the Free Press.

Martel resigned from his post on the Supreme Court before it even started, preferring not to be a distraction.

Although he has since apologized, some are calling for Bernstein’s resignation.

He deceives the community, deceives the community. It’s more lies. Politicians say anything to get elected.

These are the words of Booker Walker, quoted in the Free Press.

Walker campaigned for Bernstein, knocking on doors in his neighborhood.

No one expects Bernstein to resign.

But one thing is certain, he lost the support of many who voted for him.

Ken Kish, retired Macomb Daily editor and contributing columnist, can be reached at [email protected].

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