Part of my job is that we go to court about 8 hours a week. I am nervous though because I usually go with one of my peers and watch and listen. I have never spoken to the court during proceedings about recommendations or evidence. But, my supervisor yesterday said that sounds like today is my lucky day. We have a full load of cases and are short a few PO due to vacation/illness. None of them will be my own cases but rather me covering other PO's cases. Ahhhhhh, so nervous! At least I have met the judges (and then they requested a page with our pictures and names shortly afterward so they could call on us/me). I have also met some of the prosecutors and defense attorneys but not even half I would say know who I am.
Thursdays are out heavy court days. We generally spend the afternoon in court or should I say courts. We courtroom hop more than a 21 year old bar hops on their b-day. Popping in and out of about 6 courtrooms seeing where each judge is on the docket. We stay if we know one of the cases we need to handle is next. Or we let the attorney's know we will be back and maybe they will ask to skip it until we are present. People in the courtroom get wide-eyed because we are walking in and out with our badges on.
I really do enjoy it. I like going and listening to people and even their lawyers who are trying to minimize everything they got caught for. "Yeah, he/she was very over the limit intoxicated and almost hit two people on the sidewalk, but they really learned their lesson and no one was in fact hurt..." LOL. Oh, Okay then no harm. Well other than the mailbox or two they took out and the fact the people who jumped out of the way suffered a near heart attack.
Honestly though I do know why the lawyers are doing what they do. After all they are doing their job and giving the best defense. The best is to aim high so that when they get something it does not sound so giving. I will honestly say that some of the ones (both defense and prosecutors) are very good at what they do and if I ever needed to use them I would feel cared about.
The judges are impressive too. Some have that total awe affect on the courtroom where everyone is nervous and knows they need to be respectful. I am not saying they are mean or anything, but that their presence and way they handle things makes you respect them.
The people though.... wow! Here is some common sense that I guess people need to hear. When you are going to court look presentable. Bathe, wear clean clothes, comb your hair, and look like you are not stoned or drunk. People show up in sweats, pj bottoms, clothes that look as though they were in a pile on the floor of their room. Guys come in thinking they have it handled by wearing a hat. You cannot wear hats in the courtroom so when it comes off they look even worse. Take five minutes and make yourself look normal. I know the way a person looks should not affect anything but I guess to me it shows such a lack of respect for the court and themselves. But, at least it is entertaining.
Pray for me around 1:30 ahhhhhhhhhhhhh.
No comments:
Post a Comment