By Judge Steve Walker
During my tenure as a Judge, many people have visited my courtroom as simply a visitor, not a plaintiff or defendant, witness or an attorney.
Many
people are under the assumption you are only allowed in court if you have
specific business in that court. Actually that is not entirely true.
All
courts in America
are open to the public during business hours for trials and other legal
transactions. The only rule that is standard is if you do visit the courtroom
you maintain decorum and protocol and unless directly involved, keep quiet
during courtroom business. You are not allowed to ask questions while a trial
is going if you are not involved since that would be construed as a disruption
and interference of the legal process.
In
my courtroom as in many courtrooms, school field trips involving elementary
school students, middle and high school students and even home schoolers as
well as college classes usually call ahead and let us know that the class is
coming to observe. Unexpectedly dropping in is permitted as long as there is
room in the courtroom for observers.
As
noted in a previous column, the media is allowed total access in my courtroom
which may or may not be allowed in other courtrooms. They must maintain order
while covering a trial or litigation and not hinder the proceedings in any way.
On occasion senior citizens and others curious observers stop by and view what might
transpire in my courtroom. Visitors are welcome to view how the legal system
works.
Recently a home school program consortium made up of various home school students around the city participated in a mock trial where the students acted as the prosecutors and defense lawyers with witnesses and experts.
As
they conducted the proceedings, fellow students and parents observed and
actually taped the courtroom drama for over two hours until the trial played
out with a verdict and critique of the entire proceedings by me and a panel of
jurors.
Since I have been on the bench, many visitors have come to my court to observe for various reasons, one of which is simply curiosity. That reason alone, when you think about it, makes perfectly good sense.
So
if you wish to visit a courtroom and watch the proceedings, do so. It might be
more educational and entertaining that you think.
Never
knowing what is going to happen next is part of the adventure.
One minute you may overhear heart wrenching stories, moment’s later bizarre tales, and later comments that make you say “huh?”
Lastly
as always, if you are due in court, be sure to show up to court on time. It is
in everyone’s best interest.
Justice of the Peace, Pct. 2 Steve Walker is a Vietnam Veteran
and a former Journalist.
Nice posting it has made things a lot clearer for me.
ReplyDeleteYou have observed very interesting details,Great posting..!
ReplyDeleteYou have observed very interesting details,Great posting..!
ReplyDelete