The High Court′s ′Own Goal′ By Shmuel Shamni
An entire country was shocked by Justice Beinish and her fellow judges′ strict verdict in the Shachar Mizrachi case. Shachar Mizrachi is a (former) policeman who shot and killed an Arab burglar, trying to prevent a crime.
Why did this ruling stir everyone up? The media and the police, who are usually on the same page with the High Court, were outraged. This time, the High Court, well known for its arrogant airs, went too far, and opened fire on the executive authority. This step damaged the already shaky image of the High Court in the people′s eye. And if there was someone who kicked the High Court, this time it was the High Court itself.
Until now, when the High Court released one of its one - sided ridiculous verdicts picking on someone or something, and that movement attacked the High Court for it, the media and the police were quick to defend it. They would claim that no matter what the High Court would rule, there would always be those who would not make peace with the ruling for political reasons and the like. This time, the High Court hit the ′soft belly′ of all layers of the population, by sending a policeman carrying out his duty, to a prolonged prison sentence. It was now obvious to one and all that the High Court took upon itself the task of policing (in this case being the bad policeman), putting itself above everyone, and left no power in the hands of the executive authority.
When the High Court ruled against the charedim, there were those people who thought that the charedim were at blame for the friction, due to their denial of the judicial system. When the High Court continued to eat away at the Knesset′s authority, there were those who claimed that this was a positive step, and would rein in some junior Knesset members. It had not yet occurred to the masses that the High Court had its′ eye on total power and takeover of the country. It was only when they passed down that ridiculous ruling against the policeman, that the masses ′got it′. They finally absorbed the truth- the High Court is not interested in the nation, and certainly in its protection. Instead of getting the message across to lawbreakers that their behavior will not be tolerated, and strong actions will be taken against them, the judges let it be known to one and all that terrorists and lawbreakers′ rights are protected, in the name of the ′Basic Law of Human Dignity′.
Only recently survey results were made public, showing that 80% of the nation has lost faith in the judicial system in general and the High Court in particular. A little birdie whispered that the remaining 20% who still retain their faith in the system are the prosecutors and judges.. In the light of the above, it seems that the rumors are being validated, and the day will soon be here where the High Court will be a negligible curio in a museum, with no takers. So may it be!
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