The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent -agent- during the 2007-2008 League.
Observation of a Judicial Trial
On August 21, 2008, I went to the courthouse in Shiawassee County, Michigan and observed the plea of the People of the State of Michigan vs. Brandee Ann Warner. The case had a late start, but was finally explained by the judge. The defendant was accused of entering without breaking and stealing things that weren't hers. This is a felony punishable with up to five years in prison and a fine of $2,500.
Ms. Warner was found in June of this year in a scrap metal barn, putting some scrap metal in the back of her pickup truck. She was caught red handed stealing other's property. After the judge read to her the rights she had to a trial, and to a jury, he asked her what her plea was going to be. Much to my surprise, Brandee Warner pled guilty.
Now, we can look at this in two different ways. First, we know that she is guilty. The police found her stealing the property. One of the Ten Commandments is "thou shall not steal." By committing this crime, Ms. Warner was not only committing a felony in our country, she also broke God's law. She did the wrong thing.
On the other hand, Brandee had the opportunity to utilize the justice system in our country. The United States has one of the best judicial systems in the world. The jury ensures a fair verdict. She had the opportunity to use this but she refused.
I admire Ms. Warner. Not because of the fact that she broke both our country's and God's laws, but because of her honesty. She had the opportunity to let a jury hear her case, and possibly be declared "not guilty." But instead, she did the honest thing and said what really happened. I believe that if she repents, God will forgive her sin and bless her for her honesty.
The judge decided to "take the case under advisement" and his ruling will be heard on September 26th. Until that time, Brandee can try to repay the cost of the stolen items. If she does this in this time frame, then her felony will be reduced to a misdemeanor. This case taught me about honesty, and how important it is to always obey God.
