Posts in category "Spirituality and the Practice of Law"
A Review of “Living Without Enemies: Being Present in the Midst of Violence”
By Samuel Wells and Marcia Owen
Reviewed by Scott Holmes
In this beautiful little book, my friend Marcia Owen shares her way of making peace in our community. Marcia is the executive director of the Religious Coalition for a Nonviolent Durham. (http://www.nonviolentdurham.org/) She has helped organize “Faith Teams” in local faith communities to support people returning to our community from prison. She has helped form one such Faith Team in our Meeting. She also organizes vigils in the community to commemorate, honor, and hold the suffering of families who have lost loved ones to gun violence. This is a unique book about … read more »
The Possibilities of Forgiveness and Reconciliation
When a mother loses her son, when he is shot and killed, it is natural to assume there is nothing but anger, hatred, and revenge in her heart. When a sister loses her dear brother, the source of joy and humor in her life, it is natural to assume she feels only ill will toward the person who took her brother from her. In my work defending people charged with murder, I have witnessed miraculous moments of forgiveness and reconciliation. I have received expressions of love and grace from these most unexpected messengers of hope.
When I litigate murder cases, I … read more »
Sentencing in a Murder case: Softball and Smiles
For two weeks we all sat in the same room hearing about the death of two young men, the shootings of two others, a robbery and a pistol whipping. The families of people shot and killed sat right next to the family of the person accused of the shootings. Jurors sat and listened and took notes. These people, who work on computers, at Wendy’s, these doctoral students, and sports editors, suspended their lives for a while and listened carefully to tragedy. I defended the person accused, and argued and argued and argued with the prosecutor. We all struggled with what … read more »
Integrity: Beyond Telling the Truth
As a Quaker, I practice historic testimonies for peace and simplicity. In addition to the Quaker testimonies for peace and simplicity, there is the testimony of integrity. Historically this testimony was expressed as a fierce determination to tell the truth, and a refusal to take oaths as a witness that there is only one standard of truth that must be maintained at all times. Quakers developed a reputation for being truthful and being fair in their business dealings. They also developed a reputation for being rude and abrasive, for refusing to participate in meaningless small talk, to participate … read more »
Civil Rights Work: Breaking Walls and Building Bridges
I have represented female police officers fighting for equal treatment at work, gay and lesbian victims of hate crimes, an African American family chased at gun point by a member of the KKK, persons with mental health problems arrested and tasered without cause, people who are stopped, harassed, and arrested because of their race. The work of a civil rights lawyer often seems to focus on breaking down walls in our society that perpetuate inequality and oppression. Privilege and power constantly builds these walls on the basis of race, class, gender, sexual oreintation, disability, and age. It is … read more »
My Spiritual Path as a Trial Lawyer
The spiritual opportunities that arise as I work as a trial lawyer have not always been clear to me, and they continue to unfold before me as I zigzag across the path of my calling.
Matthew 25:35 speaks to this calling:
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
“Then the righteous will answer … read more »
Victory in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals
We recently won a case in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals,
It is encouraging to see a higher Court acknowledge and remember the purpose of our Constitutional protections against police misconduct.
“Moreover, we are deeply troubled by the way in which the Government attempts to spin these largely mundane acts into a web of deception. Although these matters generally only come before this Court where a police seizure uncovers some wrongdoing, we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge that the exclusionary rule is our sole means of ensuring that police refrain from engaging in the unwarranted harassment or … read more »
A Vision of Society Where it is Easier for People to Be Good – by Scott Holmes
On any given day my life is filled with conflicting and contradictory moments of beautiful grace and bitter sorrow. Four kids, four dogs, a lively legal practice, and a commitment to living in a manner that lets the divine sparks flicker and fire in every one I meet and everything I see. I feel like I am surfing on a spiritual surf board, gliding across beautiful waters and wiping out continually.
This week was no exception. I spent time in jails, I spent hours talking with people facing life in prison, and I watched my son Caleb play soccer with a … read more »
