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At the height of a political corruption trial, the prosecuting attorney attacked a witness. “Isn’t it true,” he bellowed, “that you accepted five thousand dollars to compromise this case?”
The witness stared out the window, as though he hadn’t heard the question.
“Isn’t it true that you accepted five thousand dollars to compromise this case?” the lawyer repeated.
The witness still did not respond.
Finally, the judge leaned over and said, “Sir, please answer the question.”
“Oh,” the startled witness said, “I thought he was talking to you.”
The possibility of corruption is as old as the judiciary itself. For this reason, this week’s Torah portion begins with the words “Judges and policemen you shall install in all your gates,” and then continues with an admonishment to avoid bribery, cronyism, etc., including the timeless words “Justice, justice you shall pursue.”
Justice is not something we can take for granted. It is a right that must be safeguarded, treasured… and even pursued. | 
