The judge's "best decision" sends him to Iraq
One of North Carolina's best and brightest young judges is leaving for a challenging and potentially dangerous assignment.
Eric Levinson, a member of the N.C. Court of Appeals, this summer will begin a one-year appointment as U.S. Justice Department attache in Iraq. He'll help Iraqis strengthen their own civilian court system.
Levinson, 40, was elected to the court in 2002. He served as a District Court judge in Mecklenburg County for six years before that.
His base in Iraq will be the U.S. Embassy in the Green Zone, but his work will take him throughout the country, where he'll evaluate court system needs, train judges and share ideas.
"I understand there's a physical risk," Levinson told me this afternoon during a conversation in my office. He had spoken to Davidson County District Court Judge April Wood's Lion's Club in Thomasville and was on his way back to Raleigh.
"Obviously I considered that. Many others have taken similar risks. This is a unique opportunity to translate some of my experiences as a judge to work with an emerging system of justice."
Brave?
"I would never use that word. I understand there's a risk but I fully expect to return after this assignment."
What Levinson's doing isn't unprecedented. Other people in public office, even judges, have left safe, comfortable jobs during wartime to answer the country's call.
But this assignment strikes me as extraordinarily difficult because of the chaos in Iraq. Can any institutions survive for long? Yet, if that violent country can have any hope for a decent future, it has to establish a society based on law, where everyone can be afforded equal justice. I give Levinson all the credit in the world for his willingness to try to make that happen.
Although he's not married and doesn't have children, members of his large family are concerned but understanding.
Levinson quoted his mother: "I know you have to follow your heart, but couldn't you follow your heart to Boise, Idaho, rather than Baghdad?"
Overall, the response has been encouraging, he said: "The blessings and prayers that people are extending are remarkable and make me more enthusiastic."
"I've made thousands of decisions on the bench," he added. "This is probably one of my best decisions."
I hope it works out that way.
Comments (5)
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"I've made thousands of decisions on the bench," he added. "This is probably one of my best decisions."* Eric
I know Eric and consider him a gentleman and a friend. I have a terrible feeling his decision is very, very wrong on this one. After spending 4 days reviewing hundreds of Iraqi military action videos with a member of my family last week who was on leave. I think this is the worst mess this country has made since the American Civil War. There is no way out on this War period. As I stood at the Airport last Tuesday AM, watching my family member leave for Iraq one more time. It might be the last time that I will see him alive. God save this Republic from the fools who gave us this meat grinder war.
Posted on June 7, 2007 5:53 PM
Can't think of a place and time where the old Irish prayer is more applicable: May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand.
Posted on June 8, 2007 10:53 AM
I agree.
Posted on June 8, 2007 1:17 PM
Can't think of a place and time where the old Irish prayer is more applicable: May God Hold You in the Palm of His Hand.*SCS
Hate to tell you guys, but Eric is Jewish and he will be dealing with nothing but Muslins. I do not believe the spirit of St Paddy would not be caught dead in Baghdad.
During the Saddam trial! 2 judges were murder, 3 quit, 9 lawyers who defended Saddam and the other defendents were murder and 21 lawyers assigned to the case never show for the trial.
Posted on June 8, 2007 1:41 PM
Connie, are you sure you're Eric's friend?
By the way, I don't think he would object to the Irish prayer.
Posted on June 8, 2007 1:56 PM