Beating The Case, God's Way... Overcoming Injustice

"No weapon that is formed against you will succeed; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me, declares the LORD."
-------Isaiah 54:17

Over 2000 Wrongful Conviction Exoneration

The National Registry of Exoneration- a joint project of University of Michigan Law School and Northwestern University School of Law, estimates there has been over 2,000 wrongful convictions exoneration since 1989. Their research has found that wrongful convictions occur because of a number of different reasons; mistake in identity, false testimonies, cohered confessions, police misconduct- just to name a few of the more commonly reported reasons. However, the emphasis of this article will be on “prosecutorial misconduct”, which many believe is the most disturbing reason for the wrongful convictions. This level of misconduct, makes the justice system seem to be more conviction driven than justice conscious.

Prosecutors, both at the state and federal level, must carry-out very important duties in their authoritative position as “Ministers of Justice”. They are entrusted with a significant amount of power. But there are professional standard and ethical lines they are mandated and expected not to cross. Particularly, they are not suppose to violate an accused constitutional right to due process and a fair trial. PERIOD. However, many of the wrongful convictions that take place across the country, is the result of prosecutors who deliberately and sometimes blatantly disregard an accused right to due process. This a gross abuse of entrusted power. It's saddening, as well as unnerving, to think that this enormous power is in the hands of many legal professionals that seem to have no conscious and a disregard for a another person's life and constitutional rights. It seems criminal minded, to pursue the imprisonment of a person having knowledge that person has not committed the crime for which they are standing trial.

Experienced Defense Attorney Insight

I've consulted with a number of experienced defense attorneys and discussed with them how prosecutors make a case against someone. It was expressed by some that a common practice of prosecutors is to throw a bunch of circumstantial evidence against the wall in hope that some of it sticks. But, the real tragic injustice occurs, when overzealous prosecutors purposely violate an accused person's right to "due process", in order to make what's been thrown against the wall remains stuck to the wall. Commonly, evidence in favor of the accused goes undisclosed to the defense, also knowingly allowing false testimonies, and there are cases of evidence in favor of accused being destroyed. As a result, many families have to endure, not only separation, more often than not there is also significant financial hardship for families as well. The worst consequence; being kids having to grow up with one parent missing in the home, that would have otherwise been in the home. How could there be any debate as to whether or not prosecutorial misconduct is a willful malicious act? How could it not be considered a crime against society, humanity and justice? Particularly, considering it's effect on peoples lives and the “unjust justice system” image prosecutor misconduct creates.

This kind of injustice occurs often, particularly, when an accused is unable to afford the cost for committed and aggressive defense representation. Unfortunately, many court appointed attorneys are more mindful of the work involved and the little compensation received than they are the innocence of the accused. As such, more often than not, the accused is likely to be represented by someone who is more inclined to want them to accept a plea deal. In effect, the accused though innocent, becomes a case number in a judicial lets make a deal game. Many innocent people, for fear of taking the risk of being convicted and serving significant more time, opt to take a plea deal for a specified reduced amount of time.

Prosecutor Accountability and Immunity

Unfortunately, the justice system allows prosecutors a considerable amount of immunity- which perhaps is part of the problem. Think about it; if a person could murder someone for professional gain, feeling protected by policy from adverse consequences, there would likely be a lot more murders taking place, don't you think? Don't misunderstand me; I'm not condemning the justice system. We should thank God and pray for our Justice system; we should purposely pray for the judges, the clerks, the prosecutors- all providing service in that arena. These people show up at work daily to read details, hear testimonies, and see photos of the worst of the worst that happens in the lives of innocent victims. Our families would live in ongoing chaotic danger if there was no justice system. But, like in the best of well meaning organizations that provide invaluable service to society- there are some bad apples in the bunch. Men and women, who as it relates to the accused, remove the justice and humanity factor out of cases- and winning the case is the only consideration.

More needs to be done to prevent these tragic abuses of power and injustice from destroying the lives of undeserving individuals and their families. Innocent people should not serve as examples to real criminals. Criminals who cleverly escape prosecution or escape conviction with aggressive defense representation. Fact is, prosecutorial misconduct injustice can happen to anyone, including someone working in law enforcement or government office. It can happen to you or someone you love. For most people, this epidemic injustice was not a reality of life until it happen to a family member or a close friend.

Facing Prosecution For A Crime You Didn't Commit

If you're facing prosecution for a crime you didn't commit and you believe in the power and faithfulness of God, then you have hope and help beyond the practical resources. You must bear in mind, that no matter how big the challenge seems to be- it's not bigger than God. Practically speaking, you must learn as much as possible about your kind of case, particularly, the charges against you. The more knowledge you have the better it is for you. Knowledge is power- and it's worth the time and effort gain relative knowledge when your freedom, family, and your future is at stake. This is especially true if you are unable to hire experienced and aggressive defense representation.

You must engage God right away by asking Him to intervene. If you haven't done this already, then do it now! It's as simple as going to God in prayer and there is no special prayer etiquette required. You just need believe that God exists and that He's able and willing to protect you from being a victim of injustice. This privilege is available to you whether you've previously spent lot of time praying to God, or if it's you're first time ever to pray. The most important thing is that you be sincere and honest. You can count on God, and rest assured that if you've asked Him for help trusting that He will, then God is already working in your behalf.

Take the time to learn what God has to say in the bible about justice. Now-a-day, you don't have to study the entire bible to find information on specific topics. You can google specific topics and save a lot of time! And it's important that you be patient and understand that when it seems like God is doing nothing, is likely when God is doing the most- behind the scenes. TRUST GOD- and he will lead you in what you should do. Keep your focus on God and not the problem. Take time daily to give thanks to God in advance, affirming your desired results- not reiterating the problem. Meditate on God's word regarding His promises of protection and His Justice. This mindset will help you be more sensitive to God's guidance. You'll be able to establish and maintain greater confidence and awareness of what actions to take and when. There are times you may need to be pro-active- and times you may need to be still and wait. As you become more sensitive to God's guidance, you'll have a greater awareness of both.
 
It's essentially important to forgive the person or persons that have accused you- including the prosecutor. This will help to free you from thought consuming feelings of revenge and/or resentment. Forgiving will also help you to relinquish the weight and distraction of unforegiveness, freeing you to use your faith to it's fullest potential. You'll be enabled to ride the storm with the peace that surpasses all understanding. The peace that only God can provide when you trustingly exchange your worries for His peace. You may have to reestablish your peace and your confidence from time to time and you can do so by praying and meditating on God's promises. Particularly, bible promises pertaining to the justice, the power and the faithfulness of God. In short; you do the natural- and trust God to do the supernatural. From a practical perspective, God commonly works through people. Trust that He will provide the people and/or the resources needed for you to overcome every injustice you may face in life. Ultimately, the battle is the Lord's if you're trusting God. As much as possible go on with your life- in fact, aim for the next level!

I want to make note; the Department of Justice is reported to be taking action to hold prosecutors more accountable for prosecutorial misconduct. Check blog article posts@ www.ministerofjustice.org for the latest breaking news concerning this action.
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SCRIPTURE REFERENCES:

"No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, And their vindication is from Me, declares the LORD." Isaiah 54:17

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people." Genesis 50:20

"What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?" Romans 8:31

“Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!” Isaiah 30:18

My friend; there is overcoming power in the word of God. Justice is a civil and God given right. For additional practical information and spiritual insight about God's Justice go to: www.ministerofjustice.org .