It is the consensus—of people arguing on both sides of the issues surrounding Chief Justice Satnarine Sharma—that “no one is above the law.” Justice Judith Jones reiterated that tenet in her statement following the attempt to take the Chief Justice into custody two Fridays ago.

The police are privy to information on the matters pertaining to the Chief Justice, which members of the public do not have. This meant that the average citizen looked on at the drama that unfolded at the home of the Chief Justice, two Fridays ago, unencumbered by those facts. This has not stopped the media from buying into speculation and in that way leading the public along a treacherous path.

The Chief Justice must be given the respect that is his right. It means that all concerned “must allow the (legal) system to work,” as Justice Judith Jones also stated.

But, there is more here. The Chief Justice as head of the judiciary is a particular symbol of authority in the nation. While not arguing for any special treatment of the Chief Justice, a disciplinary matter pertaining to this leader needs to be treated with the greatest care. Much more is involved here than Satnarine Sharma.

Regardless of the evidence in the cases against Chief Justice Sharma, citizens with a desire for fairness and justice want to see the Chief Justice treated properly.

That did not seem to be the case when the police went to his home to execute the warrant on July 14. The Commissioner of Police blames the media for that and has sought to correct what he described as “inaccurate and highly misleading reports carried in both the print and electronic media”. The incident certainly emphasies the critical role of the media.

The media and democracy

All citizens should expect that those in authority would treat them “with honesty and integrity” (Jeremiah 23:5). It is God’s expectation. God’s desire is for leaders after his heart. We must remain open to that possibility and not give in to cynicism.

In Jeremiah 23:4 the Lord promises: “I will raise up shepherds to look after them (God’s people) and pasture them; no fear, no terror for them anymore; not one shall be lost.” St Mark in today’s Gospel says Jesus “took pity on them because they were like sheep without a shepherd” (6:34).

Among these “sheep” today are those persons who do not have recourse to an array of lawyers and emergency sessions to decide their matters.

Some in reviewing this matter regarding Chief Justice Sharma have alluded to a breakdown of democracy. On the contrary this is a moment for democracy, because it offers the opportunity for serious discussion about procedures that affect the lives of all citizens.

Pragmatist John Dewey quotes Thomas Carlyle, who was no admirer of democracy, as saying: “Invent the printing press and democracy is inevitable.”

Today, with radio, television and the Internet democracy should be even more secure. It is not necessarily so. Because of the media, however, democracy remains promise and possibility.

The communication media, of which the Catholic News is of course a part, are a guide of public discussion and therefore have a unique role in these unprecedented events to aid democracy.