by Judge R. Brent Elliott
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As a judge in the five-county 43rd Circuit, I am required to hear many types of cases. In addition, as a senior trial judge, I am often assigned by the Missouri Supreme Court to handle specific cases in other jurisdictions. Some of these assignments are relatively commonplace; others are not.
Allegations of murder, rape, child molestation, and other heinous crimes are all too frequently included in the dockets. I encounter the very worst mankind has to offer and am frequently asked how I avoid developing a totally cynical attitude. It is simple. I also get to see the very best of mankind.
Every day I encounter people who put their lives on the line for total strangers. I see people who accept others into their lives and treat them as one of their own. I see hundreds of people helping people. Some are paid to do it, but many are not. The point is – they do it.
I also have the good fortune of living in one of the finest areas in the country, if not the world. I have two neighbors who have recently been diagnosed with cancer and are suffering through the treatment process. When I stopped by to visit one in the hospital, I was amazed to find over 50 friends and family offering help in her time of need.
Last weekend, the other individual received a surprise visit from two dozen people representing area churches. These volunteers delivered, cut, and stacked several dump-truck loads of wood to meet his family’s upcoming heating needs. These “Good Samaritans” perform these and other special projects for persons in need. They do it without being asked and solely out of the goodness of their hearts. These and countless other acts of kindness restore my faith in mankind.
As we embark on a new year, please join me in recognizing how fortunate we really are. We live in communities where the good far outnumber the bad. May 2018 be your best year ever.
Editor’s note: Circuit Judge R. Brent Elliott’s column is intended to provide readers with a better understanding of the judicial system and changes in the law. Next month Judge Elliott will return to updating you on recent changes to our judicial system.