Process of law to correct mistakes

By JIMMY KALEBE
LAE district court magistrate Edward Kupo says the process of law and justice is to correct mistakes committed by the accused.
“It is not just about punishing anyone. It is not the police or the magistrate that decide sentences of penalties,” he said.
“When you go against the law, it is the law that decides penalties or sentences.”
Kupo made the remarks in the presence of more than 15 suspected criminals awaiting their hearing on Monday.
He said it was also the law that determined whether an accused was guilty or not.
“Many have negative thoughts of magistrates and the police as being the ones who penalise the people,” he said.
“Every morning when you wake up from bed, it is you who decides whether you walk the path of right or wrong. It is your own action and behaviour that decide whether you have to face justice or the law.
“No one told you to do what you have (allegedly) committed. That is why you are all now in court (awaiting charges and hearing).”
Kupo told the detainees that there was no-one telling you to do what you have done and now you are in court for what you have done.
“We are all not perfect, we all make mistakes. That is why the law is there to guide us,” he said.
“If we run foul of the law, we have to face the (legal) consequences and learn from our mistake to be (law abiding) good citizens.
“When you are sentenced, learn from your mistakes. Change for the better after serving your jail sentence.
“One mistake, one correction, then be ready to prosper positively for the rest of your life.”