The Intersection of CSI, Easter, and Passover

Today is Easter Sunday, and after taking my dog for that long walk up to Collegetown gazing down Lake Cayuga I came back home with an interesting thought. What do Easter, Passover, and CSI have in common? My wife and I love CSI. The original Vegas version often fascinates us with insightful story lines, great dialogue, and biting humor. But.... there is one glaring thing that bothers me to no end, the CSI team never turns on lights in homes, basements, or pulls up window shades. They are forever relying upon flashlights to investigate crime scenes. Whether for dramatic effect or to increase suspense they refuse to use any electric lighting.

Easter brings the story of the coming of the light of the world, the rising of the Christ. Passover encapsulates the liberation of the Jews from slavery, of bondage, and the darkness of their times. What we as criminal defense attorneys seek to do is bring "light" into our cases. Because light casts out darkness, removes fear, and brings us a more complete picture. The monsters always lurk in dark places. It is common knowledge that Vampires can't handle sun light. Themes of blackness rule scary movies. Light can reveal strengths and weaknesses. The lawyers tools that bring sight, and more importantly insight are: the examination of the evidence, the cross examination of the witnesses, and the facts held up to the light of day. All of this evaluating, weighing, and interpreting demands a strong light.

So on this day, I am thankful to celebrate the liberation that comes from the light. In our home, my wife a converted Catholic, and me a little Jew from Brooklyn merge our faiths to embrace a unifying principle. We have gratitude as a family that we have the privilege to live in a country where we can practice and believe in whatever religion we decide upon. Today and everyday. let's all be mindful of the light we live in.