The rule of law ultimately depends upon a simple social contract: that when people swear to tell the truth, they mean it. One of history's deepest insights comes from the words attributed to Jesus in John's Gospel: "You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." Its purpose should be to restore truth as the foundation upon which justice depends. It rests upon ordinary men and women having the courage to tell the truth when it costs them. But because justice cannot survive if lies carry no meaningful consequences—and because redemption begins the moment someone finds the courage to tell the truth.