Judge or get off the bench
A judge’s only purpose should be to enforce the law, not to dictate what that law should be. If only all the judge’s in the United States could have the fortitude it took Leonard Frieling to step down because of his beliefs, then this whole country would be better off.
A few months back, the city of Lafayette began the process to increase the penalties for the possession of marijuana beyond what the state of Colorado requires. A person caught in the city limits could face up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
The Boulder criminal-defense lawyer, who had served as a backup Municipal Judge for eight years, said he could not enforce a law he did not agree with. In his opinion, the war against marijuana is wrong.
I applaud the fact that he is stepping down, because anyone who can’t put aside his personal views and enforce the law has no right behind the bench at any level. Maybe his attitude will be catching and dozens upon dozens of judges will step down because they are unable or unwilling to enforce laws they don’t believe in.Â
If nothing else, it would bring an end to judicial activism!