They finally empaneled a jury at 3:35 yesterday afternoon. There was only time to swear them in and dismiss by 4:00. Opening statements for the trial will begin today at 10:30 am. Today is a critical day since the prosecution will lay out its case.
I have never been involved in an experience like this before and it is surreal. The accusers, the defendant and the jurors all exit the court through the same door and end up standing in the close quarters of the hallway during breaks and before proceedings. You can cut the tension with a knife. I am surprised more violence does not break out in these situations. People who hate each other are herded together in confined spaces in the name of resolving a situation peacefully.
The female clerk for Court 121 is particularly rude. She is dismissive of the defendant's family and tries to restrict where they sit and when they can enter the courtroom. She has the attitude that anyone who is not a lawyer or jury member is an ignorant irritant. When she takes phone calls at her desk near the judge she is nasty to anyone who calls needing help. In the silent court we can hear her responses. They are arrogant and intolerant to those who have reached her in every situation.
There is a sign on the door that says "See the Bailiff before you take a seat." When you enter and try to get the Bailiff's attention, he acts annoyed about being bothered.
The court employee's I have run into so far are burnt out
bureaucrats who hate their jobs and have the bedside manner of
DMV clerks. I think there is a weight requirement on the guards at the entrance of the building manning the metal detectors. If you are not at least 300 pounds over the ideal weight for your height you need not apply. A large pizza would distract the guards long enough to drive a Humvee through the lobby.
I am sure this could be an
aberrant situation and it just happens that my friend drew the worst court with the worst employees in the county. However, from what I can gather from people who know the system, this is the norm at this court.
The trial has not even begun and I am already disgusted and
disappointed by the process. Mob mentality and
vigilante justice would be more civilized. These small minded unhappy people with
megalomaniacal personalities run what we call the justice system. My advice for anyone reading is: Avoid at all costs ever having to become involved with the Legal system. It may be the best in the world, but flawed by the worst human employees that can be found to work it.
As you were,
Jay
