Dear Friends,
The Interfaith Peace Project is offering eleven days of reflections for your consideration during the eleven days leading up to The International Day of Peace, September 21st. The theme for this year’s International Day of Peace celebrates the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “The Right to Peace – The Universal Declaration of Human Rights at 70.” (Please see Thomas P. Bonacci’s letter of September 11, 2018.)
In our reflections, we bring together the wisdom of The Declaration of Human Rights, The Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution.
In today’s refection, we consider Articles 9, 10 & 11 of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
As you prepare to observe The International Day of Peace, please consider these reflections. May they inspire and challenge you to be the peace you seek.
The Interfaith Peace Project
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Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Articles 9, 10, & 11
Article 9
No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.
Article 10
Everyone is entitled in full equality to a fair and public hearing
by an independent and impartial tribunal,
in the determination of his rights and obligations
and of any criminal charges against him.
Article 11
(1) Everyone charged with a penal offence has the right to be
presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law
in a public trial at which he has had all the
guarantees necessary for his defense.
(2) No one shall be held guilty of any penal offence
on account of any act or omission which did not constitute
a penal offence, under national or international law,
at the time when it was committed.
Nor shall a heavier penalty be imposed than the one
that was applicable at the time the penal offence was committed.
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The Bill of Rights
Amendments
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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 defense.
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Reflections from 3 Faith Traditions
The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)
“The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) affirms the fundamental principles of the U.S. criminal justice system such as due process of law and the presumption of legal innocence. Yet, this church hears people’s cries that reflect the current system’s serious deficiencies. Drawing from the biblical witness to God’s wondrously rich forms of love and justice, we are compelled by a “holy yearning” to address the need for a change in public mindset and for dramatic reforms in policies and practices. This statement calls upon Christians to strengthen or take up ministries of compassion and justice. Drawing on evidence and data, it affirms some current efforts at improving the system while identifying numerous other reforms that urgently need implementation.”
Mahatma Gandhi:
“There is a higher court than courts of justice, and that is the court of conscience. It supersedes all other courts.”
Islam
Hadith 22, The burden of proof is upon the plaintiff, and the oath is upon the one who is accused (Tirmidhi)
…the Messenger of Allah (SAW) explained that the proof should be provided by the person making the claim. If he has no proof but makes an accusation then the defendant can make an oath upon his position and in that manner the accusation is rejected by the Judge. This serves as evidence that the defendant is innocent until proven guilty. http://ahadith.co.uk
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