However, she said, “Powerful institutions make the decision that overshadow the decision (judgment) that we make as judges.”Though her utterance was greeted with mixed reactions among the audience, she could not, however, name the powerful institutions that are hindering the realization of judges’ decisions. Interestingly, Judge Johnson said, “even though we live in contemporary neo-colonialism era, we are called to a state of cool-neutrality,” pointing to the role and behavior of judges. She was quick to point that the world is changing and judges should know that they are living in an era of fake news and manipulated ideas far from truth and justice. “Everybody can be normal, but they do not have the obligation to be neutral in the performance of their duties; whereas, justices, judges and magistrates must,” she added. She reminded them that “our torches are lightened brightly in embracing our oath because we are the moral conscience of our society to control the excessive usurping of power from powerful institutions, powerful individuals, politicians, rich people, big liars and manipulators.

Source: Daily Observer February 12, 2020 02:26 UTC