The truth resolves conflicts, while lies perpetuate chaos
Since the beginning of civilization, regardless of one’s place of birth, creed or decent — honesty and truth have formed the foundations of religious beliefs, systems of justice, successful business practices and personal relationships.
Lies and deceit have never been admirable human traits — not in our faith, nor politics nor other meaningful associations or pursuits.
The value of truth is self-evident, providing a substance for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The destructive nature of lies and deceit are also self-evident, forming the basis for chaos and ruin.
In the American judicial system, we recognize and understand truth’s importance for purposes such as fairness, acceptance, cooperation and enforcement. The constitutional requirements of due process, while in the search of the truth, are guided by oaths, laws, rules, procedures, investigation and simple common sense. These methods and safeguards are essential because, unfortunately, what we know about the truth and likely human traits is that the truth is typically recalled and filtered through memories, perceptions, preferences, biases and other inconvenient realities — all of which have the ability to create various versions of verity.
We all know, truth is necessary to resolve conflict and falsehoods promote discontent. As a result, misinformed, misinterpreted and/or misguided opinions or suggestions can be constructed to look like the truth. We know, however, opinions and suggestions, like promises, are only as good as the integrity of the information and/or the person making the declaration. We also know, during the judicial process of learning the truth, various possibilities may be presented which may intentionally or unintentionally distort the truth.
During our search, we acknowledge in any fact-finding endeavor or legal proceeding, as in our lives, the determination is no easy task. As court officials we’re mandated to undergo this due process to ensure protection of our rights, reliability or our decisions, creditworthiness of our institutions, and accountability of our citizens.
During my tenure on the bench, in an effort to understand the roots and reasons for litigation, I’ve identified seven causes of conflict. Four are unintentional: Misunderstanding, Miscommunication, Mistake or Misfortune. Three are intentional: Misrepresentation, Misappropriation, and Misconduct.
All of these reasons for conflict are compounded when something of value, like money or egos, are involved. Any and all of these blunders or misses lead to distrust. When there is distrust there is conflict. There is no trust without the truth.
I read a story not long ago of a parent telling a child, “There’s a fight going on inside me, a fight between two wolves. One wolf is evil. It’s full of malice, anger, greed, self-pity and falsities. The other wolf is good. It’s full of peace, love, joy, kindness, humility and truth.”
The parent continued, “This same fight is going on inside you and everyone else on the face of the earth.” The child was quiet for a moment, pondering the story then asked, “Which wolf will win?” The parent replied, “The one you feed.”
Throughout our lives, all can recall stories or specific occasions, where good behavior or bad was appropriately rewarded or punished because the truth was found, because the goodness within us was fed, because we trusted decisions or each other. As members of the human race, we have overcome innumerable challenges in our past. We undoubtedly know there will be countless trials ahead.
Thus, on our quest for the ever elusive truth, we must always endeavor to feed the good within us and avoid the failures that cause distrust. As Mahatma Gandhi suggested,
“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. … Think of it, always.”
Judge Frank Sedillo presides over the civil division of the Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court. Opinions expressed here are solely those of the judge individually and not those of the court.