Recently I

was in State Court here in Fayette County. I was there as a minister accompanying

the great-grandson of one of my church members. Since I arrived early

I was able to hear several cases as they made their way before State Court

Judge Fletcher Sams. Although the sound system was not working that day

in the new multi-million dollar courthouse, I could still hear what was

being said. Basically I was struck with the courtroom decorum of Judge

Sams.

I realize judges

rarely get any kind of positive public comment, but I feel compelled to

use this column to share with the readers how proud we all should be with

the likes of Judge Sams.

First, he is

real. In dealing with case after case, I got the impression that this

man really lives in the world give and take, good and evil, laughter and

tears. Knowing the intensity of any courtroom proceeding, he is quicker

with a smile than a scowl. In fact, his scowls are more expressions of

disappointment than severe punishments. He's approachable even in court.

I know some judges get the reputation of being a "hanging judge"

and they like that reputation. I think Judge Sams is a "caring judge."

In one case,

the judge demonstrated he knew his facts. One young lady contended that

the reason she tested positive for marijuana use was that she had attended

a party where marijuana smoke was heavy in the air. Judge Sams rattled

off the facts of a scientific nature proving it was impossible for her

to have such high drug content just from second-hand smoke. Thereafter,

he gave this young lady the opportunity to change her plea from not guilty

to guilty. Faced with the facts, she confessed to the personal use of

marijuana on the day of question. The judge's "one of the boys,"

demeanor does not mean he left his brains and education outside the courtroom.

My second point being, he is a sharp cookie.

Third, the

judge demonstrates a fatherly instinct. As young men and women made their

way in front of the bench, he would consistently implore them to leave

their lives of lawlessness. More than once, he would say, "I don't

want to see you here again." He cares for these young people and

it's evident that his heart seeks to reach out to them. In the few moments

he has with each defendant, Judge Sams tries to strike a personal tone,

pointing each one to their positive possibilities in contrast to their

current circumstances.

Fourth, it

was very apparent that he looks out for the greater community. As drug

users made their way before the bench, the judge would ask for the name

and address of their drug source. When defendants were reluctant to reveal

their source, the judge would remind them just how many days he could

put them behind bars. In several cases, that reality joggled their memories

and they were able to identify their sources for drugs. Even on the bench,

he's a good investigator.

Now, you may

ask, what's a religion column to do with a local judge? I just wanted

to speak a blessing over a public servant that is doing a good job in

the context of a compassion for people and a commitment to the law. In

"Fiddler on the Roof," the question was asked, "Is there

a blessing for the Czar?" The answer was "Yes, may the Lord

bless and keep the Czar far from us."

Here's my blessing

for Judge Sams: "May the Lord bless you and your family and may the

Lord always keep you fair, honest, and caring."

John

Hatcher is pastor of

Outreach International

Center

1091 South Jeff Davis

Drive

Fayetteville, Georgia

30215

770-719-0303

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