I'm a criminal defence lawyer and I just sat through an infuriating sentencing hearing. The judge screamed and yelled and played silly games and acted like a demoniac all trial. Finally he convicted someone who was likely innocent and sentenced him to a long jail term.
When a judge is merciful to some one accused of a crime, it makes the papers and everyone is outraged. But no one cares when a judge shows no mercy, convicts people who are likely innocent based on flimsy grounds and gives outrageously disproportionate sentence.
Given a choice between judgement and mercy, I want to be on the side of mercy every time. And if this heartless world is against me, that's all the more evidence I'm right. Christians believe that one day God will rain fire on this whole wicked world. As far as I'm concerned that day can't come soon enough. Doing this job has thought me the meaning of "he who is a friend to this world is an enemy of God."
What's it like being a criminal defence lawyer? For me, I've started cheering on natural disasters and I now think hell i a splendid idea. I hope many judges and politicians will spend an eternity there.