When a Judge Had to Row Between Three Coral Islands: A Judge's Reflections on Gustav Radbruch's Prophetic Message

Suwono Suwono, HS. Tisnanta, Slamet Haryadi

Abstract

Law enforcement, in essence, is not simply about how to formally apply legal norms. Based on this thesis, judges must possess sufficient competence to maintain harmony among the values of justice, legal certainty, and expediency. A judge must be adept at navigating these three dimensions of legal objectives. Because of their position, judges must, in effect, be willing and able to row between three coral islands in carrying out their vision and mission; this is certainly easy to say, but not easy to realise. The question now arises: on which island should a judge anchor their boat for a greater and more noble purpose in the context of upholding law and dignified justice? This prophetic-metaphorical expression can stir a judge's inner feelings in response to divine messages.

10.22178/pos.130-1


Keywords


judge; Gustav Radbruch; justice; legal certainty; utility

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References


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