Christian court watchers keep tabs on judges (AP/CNN)

[eppur_se_muova]

MANCHESTER, Kentucky (AP) -- John Becknell enters the courtroom and finds his usual spot in the front row, just behind the prosecutor's table.

Becknell -- a devout Christian known to many as "Brother John" -- pulls out a pen and an inch-thick docket, mostly of drug and alcohol cases. For the next three hours, he takes diligent notes on the judge's actions, the attendance of police officers, repeat offenders making another appearance, and so on.

The purpose? To make sure drug offenders in eastern Kentucky are getting what they deserve.

Frustrated with widespread drug abuse -- especially of easily accessible prescription painkillers -- a handful of mountain churches are moving away from their traditional role as a refuge for the poor and addicted. Now they're more interested in law enforcement.

The Community Church of Manchester is leading the way through "Court Watch," a program in which volunteers attend court hearings to monitor judges overseeing drug-related cases.
***
more: http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/wayoflife/07/18/christian.watchers.ap/index.html

[Sequoia]

1. War on drugs you christian soldiers.

What a waste of time.

[aquart]

2. So these people are without sin?

[KingFlorez]

3. Oh, that's real nice

Instead of trying to find ways to help drug abusers, they want them thrown in jail. Who the heck do they think they are trying to make judges do what they want?

[Trillo]

4. Too bad they can't oversee pharmacists dispensing birth control.

I wonder if this church is receiving "faith based" government funds.

Better put a /sarcasm disclaimer on the title.