Committees and the Principle of Two Witnesses

Biblical and Legal Bases for Committees

“Again I say to you, that if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. For where two or three are assembled in My name, there I am in their midst.” — The words of Jesus Christ, Matthew 18:19-20

On the testimony of two or three witnesses he that is to die must be put to death, but on the testimony of one witness he cannot be put to death. — Deuteronomy 17:6

A single witness must not rise up against a man on account of any iniquity or any sin that he sins. At the testimony of two witnesses or at the testimony of three witnesses shall the matter be established. — Deuteronomy 19:15

Do not receive an accusation against an elder, except before two or three witnesses. — 1 Timothy 5:19

No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court. — U.S. Constitution, Article III, Section 3

Human Nature

Quite commonly, two people who experience the same event often have different memories of what occurred.

Eyewitnesses can provide very compelling legal testimony, but rather than recording experiences flawlessly, their memories are susceptible to a variety of errors and biases. They (like the rest of us) can make errors in remembering specific details and can even remember whole events that did not actually happen. — LibreTexts, Social Science, University of California

Years ago, I served on the City of Rockwall Parks Board. We formed a subcommittee to review potential spaces for trails and parks. Never would a single member of our subcommittee communicate our thoughts or actions with others outside our subcommittee. When a person questioned us alone, we referred the inquisitor to the full board.

Years later, I chaired the Rockwall Housing Authority. Never would I communicate with individuals outside our board without at least one of them or the RHA Director present.

I can foresee a major problem in the future of Rockwall County due to the County Judge alone meeting with the attorney the court hired to address MUDs. I most certainly don’t want a problem, but I know from personal experience how individuals can remember facts incorrectly.

For example: While lobbying the 2020 Texas State Legislature to promote specific conservative legislation, six met with a hitherto unnamed State Representative. We supported our common position on a piece of legislation, but the representative rejected our plea. He said, “If you don’t like it, you can get someone to run against me.”

The following day, one of members quoted the representative verbatim on a Facebook post. Quickly, the representative called the member and liar, denying he ever said we should get someone to run against him. The six of us all had the same memory of that event.

My Point

County Judge Frank New should not be the only person to interface with the hired lawyer. There should be a committee of two to forestall and prevent costly problems.

I propose the Commissioners Court move to ensure there will always be two members of the Court at all meetings with the hired lawyer. This should be a rule of conduct for all members of the Commissioners Court.

Furthermore, I recommend Commissioner Dennis Bailey to this committee. Dennis has substantial experience with such matters. He is familiar with pertinent laws.

My proposition is neither an expression of bias against nor a mistrust of County Judge Frak New. The proposition is simply common sense.

Two are better than one, because there is a good reward for their labor together.
For if they fall, then one will help up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has no one to help him up. — Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

John White
Rockwall, Texas