Courtrooms.
Prosecutions and Defendants.
We know of their existence of them, and their purpose.
They are seen on TV, dramas, news etc., but never in my life I would have thought about the need to visit it once.
This issue has been bugging me for some time now, but I could not find the words to explain it. I studied no law, so most of my thoughts are based off of my emotions, which may be biased, so bear with me.
A little past a month back, there was a need to visit such a place and listen to a court hearing. Not knowing what to expect, I went in with a heavy heart and with a little fear.
Statements and facts of the matter were made, clearly and surely.
Adapted from: Section 304A Penal Code (Chapter 224, Revised Edition 2008)
Causing death by rash or negligent act304A. Whoever causes the death of any person by doing any rash or negligent act not amounting to culpable homicide, shall be punished -
(a) in the case of a rash act, with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to 5 years, or with fine, or both; or
(b) in the case of a negligent act, with imprisonment for a term which may
extend to 2 years, or with fine, or with both.
5 years maximum, it mentioned, but you were only sentenced to 2 months in jail.
Just because you pleaded guilty does not mean you are not as guilty. You still have committed a crime that caused a life.
2 months in jail, while the rest of the decease's family members spent several months and even years in sadness as a result of your mistake. The sentence doesn't seem severe enough to atone for your mistake. And this is not your first mistake. The amount of fines you have paid over the years hasn't let you learnt your lesson, what will 2 months of jail term do to you?
I know that life is unfair, but isn't this too unfair?
I was hoping that by sitting through the court hearing, most of us will feel the much needed closure of this case, reaching a settlement of our emotions, calming our hearts.
On the contrary, this seemed to do the opposite instead.
The case may be closed, but the unsettled feeling is still there.
The gavel was raised and a knock was heard, echoing through the entire courtroom.
"Case closed." they said. Clicks of the handcuffs could be heard after, as the criminal was lead away by 2 police officers, serving their much needed punishment.
Tension dissipates, as the head judge rises from their seat, followed behind by his left and right judges. Shuffling up to their feet, everyone bows in respect.
Other emotions start seeping in.
Relief comes in as a replacement to the anger felt towards the criminal.
Respect to the higher authorities that kept their calm and seriousness throughout.
Regret, that all this has to happened, but it serves as a reminder of the laws put in place to keep us just and safe.