The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Erin M. during the 2007-2008 League.
On August 21, 2008, I entered the Shiawassee County Court house to listen in on the plea hearing for Brandie Warner. The hearing started promptly at 8:30am. The courthouse is a very important fixture to the citizens of Shiawassee County. The intricate detailing on everything from the ceilings to the door hinges is evident and awe striking. The intricacy to detail in the courthouse was a reminder to me, of how much attention and detail God put into the creation of Earth, and how we should be more aware of the awesomeness of His creation.
Mrs. Warner stated that her and her husband were arrested as they were going around to barns and stealing scrap metal, putting it in their pick up truck (which she sometimes drove) and later selling the metal.
The defendant had "forgotten" her hearing aids, so everyone was asked to speak in large volumes. After being read her rights, the defendant waiver her right to trial by jury, and accepted a plan bargain that lowered her felony, to a misdemeanor.
But to me it is a very small thing that I should be examined by you, or by any human court; in fact, I do not even examine myself. I am conscious of nothing against myself, yet I am not by this acquitted; but the one who examines me is the Lord. (1 Corinthians 4:3-4). What this verse says to me is very important. It reminds us, that we should be conscious not get caught up in the traditions of America. We shouldn't be so enveloped with laws and proceedings that we forget that God is our ultimate authority. It's basically a check and balance system for our minds and actions.
Not to say that we shouldn't respect our laws and traditions. One of my favorite things about living in America is that one person can make a difference. We can be those lawyers protecting our clients, and marching on Capitol Hill. We can be accused of a crime, and be "fairly judged." The representative form of government is absolutely amazing to me, and I thank God and Brandie for reminding me of that.
