Rights and Responsibilities II

In last week’s blog, I proposed a dialogue process for local community to listen and reflect on the first 4 Amendments of the Bill of Rights.  This week, we continue with a dialogue on Amendments V and VI, both of which have to do with proceedings in the court of law in the United States.  If you watched television’s numerous courtroom drama shows in the United States, you have been exposed to phrases like double jeopardy, no one is compelled to be a witness against himself, due process of law, a speedy and public trial, impartial jury, etc.  These famous phrases all came from these two Amendments.  There are probably volumes of book and cases written in the interpretations of these terms and phrases.  The purpose of our dialogue process is not to replace the kind of teachings, debates and interpretations taught in law school or how they are used in the court of law.  Our purpose is for you and members of your community to listen to the original text on which so much of what goes on in the U.S. legal system depends.  We are simply inviting the participants to listen to them and to attempt to understand them and even interpret them as they relate to their own experiences.    If there are lawyers or judges in the group, please invite them to refrain from giving their legal opinion until everyone in the group has shared their thoughts. 

Why are these “rights” for people living in a democracy? How do these rights enable us to discern the truth?  Why are these rights important to create a sustainable community?  If we don't have these rights spelled out in the constitution of the nation, what would happen to the poor and powerless in our society?  Even though these are explicit rights for all members of our society, how have the U.S. system not honored them for certain groups or individuals?   In the context of the upcoming election, which candidate running for public office will use the power given to them to uphold these right for all and not just for the powerful few?  

Amendment V.

No person shall be held to answer for a capital, or otherwise infamous crime, unless on a presentment or indictment of a Grand Jury, except in cases arising in the land or naval forces, or in the Militia, when in actual service in time of War or public danger; nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb; nor shall be compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself, nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation.

Amendment VI. 

In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence.

Dialogue Process: Inform participants that Amendments V and VI of the United States Constitution will be read three times. After each reading, participants will be invited to share their reflections using the Mutual Invitation process. (See 8/13/2012 post for description of Mutual Invitation.) Invite participants to capture a word, a phrase or image that stood out for them from the document while the text is read out loud the first time. Using Mutual Invitation, invite each person to share his or her word, phrase or image briefly. Invite participants to consider the following 2 questions as the text is read a second time: What fears were driving members of the first Congress of the United States to write and ratify these two Amendments? How have these amendments been interpreted in recent years in favor or against certain individual or groups? Invite someone to read the document a second time. Using Mutual Invitation, invite each person to share his or her reflection the 2 questions? Invite participants to consider the following question while listening to the document again: As a result of listening to this document, what will you do to make sure that the U.S. government uphold these rights for all persons and groups livint in the U.S.? Using Mutual Invitation, invite each person to share his or her reflection.

Reflection Questions for Proper 18(Year B Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23    What is God’s attitude toward the rich and the poor? Psalm 125   What does it mean to trust in God? James 2:1-17   How does having faith with work apply to your life? Mark 7:24-37   In order for you to have faith, what needs to be opened?

Eric H. F. Law
Kaleidoscope Institute
For competent leadership in a diverse changing world
www.kscopeinstitute.org

Dates set for 2013 Opportunity to Study with The Sustainist: April 15-19 Missional Ministry in the Grace Margin and Holy Currencies Orientation Los Angeles, CA July 15-19 Holy Currencies: Beyond Time, Talent and Treasure Los Angeles, CA August 19-23 Fundamental Skills for Building Inclusive Community and Holy Currencies Orientation Rainbow Lodge Retreat Center, North Bend (near Seattle), WA Register at:  www.kscopeinstitute.org