JUSTICE WELL-SERVED BY PASSION

Law enforcement, defense attorney, prosecutor, judge, jury -- and, of course, defendant. They all play essential roles in the system of justice that has served this nation well for more than 200 years.

Perhaps the secret to its success is the fact lawyers, judge and jury all operate independently. It is a system of checks and balances. Hopefully, when all is said and done, truth and justice prevail.

This past week, Cape Girardeau County prosecuting attorney Morley Swingle was at odds with Circuit Judge John Grimm. Swingle felt Grimm's sentences in two cases were too lenient.

Grimm felt both defendants should be given a second chance. He said a judge should consider each sentence on a case-by-case basis, weighing such issues as age, employment, criminal record, particulars of the case and the individual.

In both cases, the men pleaded guilty to felony charges. One defendant was given 120 days of shock probation. A second defendant received probation and was placed in the Teen Challenge program.

Was justice served?

Both Swingle and Grimm pose reasoned arguments. The public should appreciate both points of view.

Yes, society should deal severely with criminals as a way to protect the public welfare. But if offenders can be salvaged at no cost to the state, surely society would be well served.

There's nothing wrong with a spirited debate, and the public forum provides a chance for the community to learn more about the system at large.

Justice will never be a matter of black and white. That is why no one person should serve as judge, jury and executioner.

All in all, it is the best system of justice around. It will survive "Court TV," O.J. Simpson and even local legal squabbles. We, the people, should be grateful for prosecutors, judges and juries who feel passionate about their jobs. In the end, that's what makes the system work so well.