The reason I like the criminal justice system is there aren't

In the words of Trey Gowdy, "The reason I like the criminal justice system is there aren't Republican or Democrat victims or police officers or prosecutors. It's about respect for the rule of law!" These words are a profound reflection on the foundational principle that binds all societies—justice. In Gowdy’s view, the criminal justice system stands apart from the divisions of political affiliation, highlighting that its true function is not to serve any one party, but to uphold the rule of law impartially. The rule of law serves as the cornerstone of any fair and just society, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their background or political beliefs, are treated equally in the eyes of the law. It is this principle of respect for the law that provides the basis for true justice.

The ancients were keenly aware of the importance of justice and the rule of law in maintaining order and peace within society. Plato, in his Republic, famously described justice as the harmony of a well-ordered society, where everyone performs their rightful role and the laws are obeyed by all, without exception. For Plato, justice was not simply about fairness; it was about the respect for laws that transcend the self-interest of any individual or faction. Just as Gowdy describes, the criminal justice system, when functioning properly, should not be influenced by political ideology or personal bias, but should focus purely on maintaining order, ensuring fairness, and respecting the rule of law that binds society together.

Consider the story of Solon, the ancient Athenian lawgiver. Solon is credited with creating some of the first written laws that applied equally to all citizens of Athens, regardless of their wealth or social status. His reforms were radical for their time, aiming to address the deep inequities in Athenian society. One of his key principles was that the law should not favor the powerful or the elite but should be a force for justice that respected the dignity and rights of every individual. In this sense, Solon’s vision of law mirrors the sentiment expressed by Gowdy—that the rule of law is sacred and must transcend the interests of any political faction, be it Republican, Democrat, or otherwise.

The teachings of Aristotle, too, offer deep insights into the role of law in society. Aristotle believed that the law must be reasoned, consistent, and just. In his Politics, he discussed how justice was best served when laws were applied equally to all citizens, without the interference of personal interests or political affiliation. For Aristotle, the rule of law was not just a tool for social order but the very foundation of a virtuous society. In his view, to respect the law was to respect human dignity and the moral fabric of society. Gowdy’s belief that the criminal justice system should be bipartisan reflects this ancient understanding of law as a unifying force that transcends division and brings people together in the pursuit of fairness and justice.

Gowdy’s statement also serves as a reminder of the importance of equality in the justice system. In ancient Rome, Cicero, a renowned statesman and orator, argued that true justice could not exist in a society where laws were applied unevenly. He believed that a just society was one in which the law was supreme, and everyone, regardless of their political or social standing, was held accountable to it. Cicero’s view aligns with Gowdy’s—that the rule of law is not subject to partisan interests, but rather it serves the universal purpose of ensuring fairness and equality. The importance of respecting the law above all else, of making sure that no one is above it, is a message that has been carried throughout history, from Solon to Cicero to Gowdy.

The lesson we draw from Gowdy’s words is a call to respect the principles that underpin our justice system—principles that transcend political ideologies and personal interests. The rule of law is a sacred foundation, a structure that holds society together and ensures that justice is applied equally to all. Just as Plato, Aristotle, and Cicero emphasized the importance of justice that is blind to power, so too must we understand that true justice in our own time requires that the law be impartial, consistent, and free from political influence. When the rule of law is respected, society is bound by fairness, and each individual is treated with the dignity they deserve.

In our own lives, let us strive to uphold the rule of law in all our actions and decisions. Whether we are in positions of authority or simply citizens of society, we must ensure that we respect the laws that bind us together. Let us advocate for a justice system that is free from partisan influence, where the rights of individuals are protected, and fairness prevails. By fostering respect for the law, we build a society where justice is not a privilege for the few, but a right for all. Just as Gowdy and the ancients taught, the rule of law must guide us toward a more just and unified society, where the law serves all equally, without favor or bias.