Sitting in the courtroom for jury duty last week, the judge was explaining to us the constitutional concept of Presumed Innocence (being innocent until proven guilty). The prosecuting attorney must present the facts that showed a criminal act had been committed... beyond a reasonable doubt.
A few jurors asked for a definition of reasonable doubt. The judge and the attorneys would not give a definition or a percentage of certainty. Rather, we were told, the jury needed to struggle with the facts of the case and come to its collective understanding of doubt and guilt within the framework of the presented evidence.
My childlike and lived experience of innocence was burst! In the judicial sense, innocence was a starting point and guilt had to be proven.
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| When has a childlike understanding been burst? (Photo: Bubble Man and Children - Larry Gardepie) |
Looking at my daily life I realize that I don't always presume innocence! Maybe in a new relationship I might give the benefit of doubt to the other person. As months and years go by and we get to know one another, there is a shared history and understanding that sometimes gets in the way... I jump to conclusions or make assumptions!
In reality, though, I oftentimes react and judge people's words and actions without stopping and trying to understand. Sometimes, I think the worse.
That's quite different than the constitutional litmus test of being innocent until proven otherwise!
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| When do you experience the light of understanding? (Photo: Young Couple and Sunset - Larry Gardepie) |
And, with some political and religious views, I find my mind closed and not willing to listen to another perspective. I can be nice and socialize, but an icy barrier is present that precludes me from seeing or understanding. Do you feel or do the same?
I wonder what it would take for us to become curious.
- What questions do we have about another position?
- How did that person arrive at their conclusion?
- Are we afraid that we may need to rethink our conclusions?
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| Can an icy barrier between you and another person collapse? (Photo: Hubbard Glacier Calving - Larry Gardepie) |
Last month I was on a small boat within half a mile of Hubbard Glacier. Several times large chunks of ice broke away and fell into Disenchantment Bay. The crack and crash were spectacular! What was equally amazing were the shock waves that came toward the boat! We rocked for several minutes as each surf-like wave came in contact with us. We weren't in any danger, but the captain prepared us for the incoming turbulence.
As we move closer to this year's elections, I wonder if there are ways that we can prepare for the shock and waves of change that might be coming towards us... no matter which political party wins:
- Are we willing to listen?
- Can we practice curiosity?
- How can we calmly explain the values and views that are important?
Maybe, more importantly, can we withhold judgment and presume innocence?
Your thoughts?
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| Larry Gardepie (click on link for website) |
