In Arabic, the word Hakim means “wise one,” a title that speaks of knowledge, discernment, and authority. But then there is Hakimu—a term that translates to “afflicted with justice.” An oxymoron, perhaps? Or a deeper truth about the weight that justice places on those called to administer it?
I remember fondly my time as a magistrate in Malindi. My clients—those seeking justice in my courtroom—would call me Bi Hakimu. I loved that title. It carried with it a sense of respect, an acknowledgment of the role I played in their pursuit of fairness. But with every judgment I rendered, I also came to understand why Hakimu is not merely a magistrate—it is one burdened, even afflicted, by justice.
The Affliction of Justice: The Magistrate’s Burden
To be a magistrate is to carry the responsibility of hearing, weighing, and deciding cases that will inevitably leave someone dissatisfied. Justice, by its nature, is impartial. It does not lean toward comfort or personal interest. It demands fairness, and fairness often means that neither party gets everything they desire.
Day after day, we sit in courtrooms, listening to disputes—some rooted in law, others in deep human emotions. A magistrate must decipher truth from deception, justice from vengeance. The decisions we make are not just legal rulings; they shape lives, determine futures, and sometimes fracture relationships. And no matter how just the ruling, someone always leaves feeling wronged.
In Malindi, I often heard the phrase “Sina imani na korti”—”I have no faith in this court.” But was it truly the court they distrusted, or was it the Hakimu—the one afflicted with justice? The judicial officer who, bound by law, could not hand down decisions based on emotions, pressure, or public opinion?
The Sacred Calling of Judicial Work
Judicial work is not a profession; it is a calling. It demands unwavering integrity, an ability to stand firm in the face of external pressures, and a heart resilient enough to withstand the knowledge that true justice rarely feels like a victory to all involved.
Justice, in its purest form, is sacred. The judicial officer acts as a guardian of order, a vessel through which the law manifests in society. We do not make the law—we interpret it, apply it, and enforce it, often at great personal and emotional cost.
The painstaking work of administering justice means listening—not just to words spoken, but to the unspoken pain, the intergenerational conflicts, and the cultural complexities that cases bring into the courtroom.
Yet, there is no validation in this work, at least not in the conventional sense. Unlike professions where success is measured by applause or financial reward, the work of a magistrate is measured by integrity.
A just decision is rarely met with gratitude. Instead, it is often met with resentment from those who expected a different outcome. This is why judicial officers must cultivate an internal compass—one that is grounded in the law and not in the fleeting opinions of those who stand before them.
The Psychological Toll: Seeking Validation from Within
The challenge of judicial work extends beyond legal reasoning—it is also deeply psychological. The human mind craves validation. In many professions, good work is rewarded with praise, appreciation, and recognition. But in the judiciary, external validation is rare, fleeting, and disproportionately unbalanced against criticism.
The psychological concept of negativity bias (Baumeister et al., 2001) explains why negative feedback tends to outweigh positive reinforcement. One ruling that disappoints a party often overshadows ten that were deemed fair. This is why magistrates and judges must cultivate a strong internal sense of validation—one that is rooted in professional integrity rather than public approval.
Psychologist Carl Rogers’ theory of unconditional positive regard (Rogers, 1957) suggests that true self-worth should not be contingent on the acceptance of others. For judicial officers, this means anchoring oneself in the knowledge that justice is the goal, not popularity.
How Judicial Officers Can Maintain Inner Balance
According to Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), intrinsic motivation—finding meaning within—is far more sustainable than seeking approval from others. Judicial officers, more than most, must develop this internal validation.
Here’s how:
- Anchor in Principle, Not Public Opinion – The law is the guiding light. It is impartial, unemotional, and just. Decisions should always stem from legal reasoning, not the pressure of public sentiment..
- Develop Emotional Resilience – Justice is often misunderstood. Judicial officers must learn to detach personal worth from public reaction. Therapy, mindfulness, and peer discussions can help process the emotional burden.
- Find Strength in the Calling – Judicial work is not about popularity. It is about safeguarding the rule of law. A magistrate who remains true to justice has fulfilled their highest duty, regardless of public perception.
- Balance the Workload – Heavy caseloads and the emotional toll of decision-making can lead to burnout. Prioritizing mental well-being is crucial. Judicial officers need structured rest, peer support, and spaces to decompress..
- Reflecting on the Greater Purpose – Understanding that judicial work serves a higher societal function can offer perspective and fulfillment.
Conclusion: The Worth and the Weight of Justice
Yes, Hakimu is afflicted with justice. But it is an affliction that carries meaning, dignity, and purpose. To be Hakimu is to stand unwavering in the face of criticism, to make decisions rooted in fairness rather than approval, and to uphold justice even when it feels like a burden.
So, the next time I hear Sina imani na korti, I will remember that justice is not about belief—it is about principle. And though the work is heavy, it remains sacred.
The Hakimu does not seek validation from applause.
The Hakimu seeks justice.
And in that, we find our highest calling.
#KenyanMindAndJusticeDigest #JudicialWork #Justice #Integrity #MagistrateLife #PsychologyAndLaw
