Deut. 16:18-21:9
Précis: The parasha Shoftim (literally, “judges”) is devoted primarily to various themes of justice, and includes warnings against false testimony, idol worship, and the dangers posed by mortal kings. The parasha also warns the people against false prophets, magicians, soothsayers and witches. It establishes requirements for cities of refuge in the Promised Land. In short, the parasha is devoted to ways to create a just society in the Land of Israel.
This is an essential proof text for the concept that no one – king or President – is above the law. This verse tells us that the leader is to be guided by the law, and is emphasized later on in the reading by the fact that the king is supposed to write his own copy of the scroll.
The Supreme Court of the United States, in Trump. vs United States, issued its decision in July. Some believe that it relieves a President of the United States from prosecution for crimes he (or she) commits during the term of office. How far this “immunity” extends is a matter which may or may not be clarified in the months and years to come.
It is, however, troubling to consider that a President who unilaterally orders the internment of immigrants (let alone their expulsion from the country), or who has his political opponents jailed, or accepts bribes from foreign sources, would be immune from legal sanction. In a society divided as we are politically, impeachment seems impossible. After all, if a President who was impeached for incitement of an attack on the Congress as it went about declaring the winner of the 2020 election could not be sustained, what is left to us? That same man once said he could “get away with shooting somebody on 5th Avenue.” Impossible?
Pray for justice. Pray for the rule of law.
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