November 2007

Update on Judge Sage in Afghanistan

Since sitting for this interview with the Nevada Lawyer, Judge Sage’s work has taken him even farther afield.  In July he traveled to Kabul, Afghanistan, becoming part of an international team of experts tasked with helping the country’s government reform its criminal justice system.  From that distant location, he sends this message to members of the State Bar of Nevada.

"Salaam Alekium!

I'm currently serving as a justice advisor for the Attorney General of Afghanistan, Dr. Abdul Jabar Sabit, and as acting section leader for the Attorney General's Office Assistance Section (AGOAS). We participate, along with our Afghan counterparts, with the UN and multiple international agencies in National Afghan Justice Program(s) development .

While organizing my team of six  ex-patriot lawyers,  one Afghan-American businessman, six Afghan legal consultants and six Afghan interpreters/translators, I utilized my military team training.  I passed out 'Scales of Justice' lapel pins to my team members; the balance symbol of Justice and purchased at the National Judicial College prior to my deployment.  These beautiful pins also reminded my teammates and I of the Muslim Balance of Justice while serving in this, The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan:

            "And the Firmament (sky) has He raised high and he set up the Balance of Justice in order that you may not transgress due balance.  So establish the weight with justice and fall not short in the balance."

Qur'an  55: 7-9

I am further reminded that the Army I was drafted (involuntarily inducted) into, as well as the National Guard and Reserve I voluntarily continued to serve in, are all older than our country.  The United States Army history predates that of the United States.  The Army flag represents an institution older than that represented by the Stars and Stripes. Justice in Afghanistan recognizes this need for an army as justice is the final destination of the Daira-yi-Adalat – or 'the Circle of Justice' - as the ninth century Islamic scholar Ibn Qutayba wrote:

            "There can be no government without an army,

            No army without money,

            No money without prosperity,

            And no prosperity without justice and good administration."

Tashakur,

Larry