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Available for over a year

Good morning. A survey of 13 hundred criminal defence lawyers carried out by the ��ѿ��ý’s File on 4 revealed that nearly all had experienced difficulties within the last year in gaining disclosure of evidence from the prosecution. About half claimed they faced these problems on a daily basis and a third believed this might have resulted in wrongful convictions. The Upanishads state: only truth shall prevail. But, that supposes truth entails the totality of the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. If we cannot ensure that all evidence relating to a case is made available, we may be failing many defendants within the justice system. Some years ago, I visited a small temple in rural India. On its shrine was the carved figure of Krishna with a fascinating history. The story goes that two brahmins had gone on pilgrimage to Vrndavan where this particular icon used to live. The elder brahmin promised in front of this image of Krishna to allow the younger man to marry his daughter. But, when they returned home, he reneged on his word. With no proof of the agreement, the younger man returned to Vrindavan and told Krishna – you were the only witness to the promise – you must see that truth is upheld. As the young man walked the long journey home, he could hear someone following behind. On reaching his village, he turned to see the statue of Krishna standing there. The local people celebrated this as proof of the young man’s claim, and the statue became known as Sakshi-Gopal – the Lord who acted as a witness. Perhaps – in many faith traditions - we’re accustomed to thinking of God as the witness and judge of our bad actions; more concerned when we get it wrong. But, various Hindu texts suggest that God, as the witness within our hearts, looks to the good in us. The Upanishads describe God as the patient witness of all our efforts, watching without judgement or condemnation, just waiting for us to turn for help and solace. In the Gita, God assures us: “I am your witness, your refuge, your abode and your most dear friend.” There is a prayer commonly offered at Hindu funerals on behalf of the departed soul: At this time, please, please remember all the good that I have done. Hindu theologians suggest God needs no reminding of our actions. Rather, it is we who need to remain confident that the truth of all our good actions and intentions will be fully disclosed and considered by God. Just as I’d hope that they would be by the criminal justice system as well.