Inglewood Mayor Tells of Faith in Justice System

It appears that the trial of the police officers accused of violating the civil rights of Rodney King will go to the jury this week. This coming Sunday is Easter, a traditional time for Christians to think about messages of hope and peace. The combination of these events is a timely moment for us to reflect upon Rodney King’s admonition for all of us to just get along.

Many people are predicting trouble in Southern California when the verdicts in this trial come in. I believe that they are wrong and I am even more confident that the good people of Inglewood will not be the source of any trouble. In Inglewood, we are prepared for the worst but we expect the best.

We must have faith in our justice system. I have not attended a single day of this trial but I have followed it closely. I am satisfied that both sides have had a fair opportunity to present their case. The jury must now evaluate six weeks of complicated evidence and testimony from dozens of witnesses and experts. Theirs is not an enviable task. I trust the jury to do an honest and sincere job.

Those of us who did not sit through the entire six-week trial must be prepared to accept the judgment of the jury. Respect for the rule of law is the foundation of our American system of government. The hopes and dreams for the good life that brought most of us to Inglewood will be empty if we lose that basic respect for the law.

Whatever your faith, I hope that you will accept my Easter wish for peace and good will in our community.

EDWARD VINCENT

Mayor of Inglewood