Proper Judges

It is interesting to note that in Moshe Rabbeinu’s final address to the nation, he placed the subject of proper judges among the first topics discussed.

It was clear even from the days of Noach that there be proper courts of justice. Without them, society would fall apart. This is why there was such great emphasis by Moshe, to be certain that there be a true system of justice.

People needed to know that if they had a dispute, and they felt that they were treated badly by another individual, they had recourse to know that their grievance could be heard.

It is for this reason that it says that a judge who judges accurately, becomes a partner with Hashem in the creation of the world.

Therefore, Moshe made it clear that judges must be the most upright members of society. They must not take bribes, and they must not fear another human being.

It is shocking to know that the Supreme Court of Israel, has had judges openly admitting to being atheists. The highest court in the land, should be composed of G-d fearing individuals. Their fear of G-d should motivate them to be certain that justice would be served.

It is very disheartening to see how the courts are overloaded with cases, and it takes so long for cases to even be heard. Victims of spousal abuse, are not given the priority and support they deserve.

In the time of King Solomon, the courts did consist of the most prominent members of society. The Talmud wrote that even if someone lost his case in court, he would leave in a state of joy, for he knew that true justice was served.

Moshe understood just how important a fair and dignified legal system must be. When we long for the “days of old,” we are also longing for those days when going to court really meant something, and not an exercise of “rolling the dice.”