No small roles
Thursday, September 17, 2009
This summer, I learned that a friend of mine, Christopher Standage, passed away. If that name sounds familiar, you may be remembering it from the six year long battle waged to have the “No Camping” ordinance declared unconstitutional. Christopher was the “defendant” in each and every round. For many of us, however, he was also the teacher.
This summer, I learned that a friend of mine, Christopher Standage, passed away. If that name sounds familiar, you may be remembering it from the six year long battle waged to have the “No Camping” ordinance declared unconstitutional. Christopher was the “defendant” in each and every round. For many of us, however, he was also the teacher.
Christopher was not in great health and he had no transportation of his own. Yet in six years, he only missed one of the countless hearings that took place. At one point, the City’s strategy was to require his appearance for trial over and over and then dismiss the case, when it finally reached the top of the docket. Christopher, fully aware of the scheme, never missed a setting. During the two and one-half year hearing on the Writ of Habeas Corpus, Christopher was always waiting as I rushed up to the courthouse for our standing 2:00 p.m., Tuesday setting. More than once, we arrived only to learn that one of the opposing attorneys had reset the case. On one of those occasions, Christopher, who sounded like he had pneumonia, had traveled through the cold rain to be on time. I could count him.
Christopher was a man of conviction and perseverance. He was appreciative for each victory and each glimmer of hope, no matter how small. He was equally patient and gracious in the face of each setback. A true gentleman, Christopher was courteous to all of the courthouse staff and earned their respect. His consistent presence and demeanor constantly illustrated that our legal system was not designed to serve only the rich and powerful. He was the “defendant” who became the face of justice for all of Austin’s citizens.
In the end, justice did prevail and the Honorable Jim Coronado declared the portions of the ordinance that criminalized life sustaining functions, unconstitutional. Christopher Standage was just one of many that played a part in the ultimate victory. Yet, without him, it could never have been won. In theater we learn that “there are no small roles, only small actors” and “all the world’s a stage.” What would happen if everyone who played a role on the stage of justice; every judge, juror, attorney, litigant, and witness, modeled his or her behavior on Christopher’s example? I think it could only bring us closer to experiencing justice for all.