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Show THE THUNDERBIRD SUSC TUESDAY, JANUARY 2, 1990 PAGE 5 1 SOCIETYS SAXCUIS, WATCHDOG o Mr COMMENTARY BY KENNETH REBER Fair trial is right all enjoy "...another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works... Revelations 20:12 Sadly, many Americans have a habit of not letting the deceased rest peacefully in their graves; we have to relive their actions and deeds. Here in southern Utah we have our own case in point Gordon Ray Church. Church, an SUSC theatre arts major, had a tragic early closing chapter to his book of life on November 22, 1988. Along with many students, faculty members and the family of Gordon Church, I too had to come to grips with the harsh reality of his death. In Provo, on Dec. 15, Michael Anthony Archuleta, one of two individuals accused of this cruel and atrocious crime, was found guilty by a jury. The first of the two trials have again started a tidal wave of buried emotions to resurface and rumors to abound surrounding the victim and the arraigned suspects. I dont want to pass judgement on Archuleta or the other codefendant, Lance Woods, the courts will do that. My purpose is to examine the judicial branch of the federal government. The founding fathers set up this branch as a safeguard for all people living on American soil. Chief Justice John Marshalls opinion in 1803, cited in Marbury versus Madison, insured that the legal bar would have the power to act as the court of final resort. Until recent years, the tribunal has been able to fullfil this sacred calling. Yet, several cases in Utah, along with the Church trial, prompts one to reflect on the court systems ability to ensure the rights of the Constitution to all victim and accused. The Fourth Amendment guarantees citizens the right to a fair and speedy trial. But is it fair to ask the Church family to wait over one year for justice to be served, and the last paragraph in Gordons life finally to be written? On the opposite side of the issue consider the young men facing these charges. If either of them are found innocent their image and chances of a normal life anywhere in Utah is destroyed beyond repair. Also waiting this long to begin the trials which is normal raises the question whether the accused receives a speedy trial. After being found guilty, the court gave Archuleta the death penalty as a method of justice. This practice is, at best, questionable both morally and emotionally. Lawyers and reporters often turn the execution into a circus-lik- e atmosphere. Ted Bundys recent execution in Florida reflects the truthfulness of this. By the time this convicted serial killer was finally put to death, to many he had became a saint. Often the fighting over ethical and secular issues on capital punishment causes the reason to be lost that led these individuals to death row in the first place. murders. Finally, after more than a dozen Consider the Ogden Hi-years, Tierre Selby was put to death. Yet, the appeals system, allows William Andrews to remain in jail avoiding the fate delegated by the court system. While its a must for all suspects to have every posible venue in assuring a fair trial, it seems that allowing a decade of challenges over the most trivial point turns the justice system into a comic book. was Attempting to protect the safety of all involved, a quickly imposed over the Church issue. Nonetheless, it seems this method of keeping Gordons murder quiet has backfired. Rumors have been flying since the Thanksgiving murder and w'irh the recent trial, those who claim to know the inside scoop have once again appeared. The rumors only causes the Church family and others thrust into this situation additional pain. Unfortunaly, human life is not like an enjoyable library novel that can be checked out and enjoyed time after time. The different court systems have been invested with the power of deciding the lives of others. The massive backlog of cases that face all judges, not to mention public apathy, makes a quick solution to this problem seem as unlikely as understanding the book of Revelation after one reading. jtfr r ANY MACHINE 50C OFF r , I i . COUPON PER CUSTOMER EXP JAN 15. kowloon RestauRant AUTHENTIC CHINESE AMERICAN FOOD Combination Plates Steaks Specials Sandwiches L J ROLANDS THE LOOII THAT'S YOU (T Hair designs 510 South Main Street Cedar City, Utah COUPON $2 OFF ON HAIRCUTS REG. $9 Redeem at SECOND GLANCE 510 S. Main586-030- 3 Exp. Jan. 31, 1990 COUPON $5.00 OFF PERMS Contact: Julie, Monique, & Nichole Redeem at SECOND GLANCE 510 S. Main586-030- 3 11 586-341- 30 AM TO 11 Exp. Jan. 31, 1990 COUPON 15 OFF Daily 50 WEST CENTER OPEN EVERYDAY 586-030- 3 & Chinese Lunch Omelettes Chops Salads Soup 9 00 PM v 1990 gag-ord- gag-ord- ,5?. .SSA ! SCRUPLES, MATRIX, VAVOOM, PAUL MITCHEL, NEXXUS Redeem at SECOND GLANCE MainS(v0303 I p. Jan. 31, 310 S. 1990 |