Final grades are posted!

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Hello Students!

I have posted your final course grades on CUNYfirst, and your final course grades along with final exam grades, here on OpenLab in the “GradeBook”! (link in the bottom right corner of the home page)

THANK YOU all, again, for a terrific semester!  I hope you learned a lot, and had some fun.  I sure did, on both counts!  If I can ever be helpful to any of you, in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me, including during the Summer.  It may take a few days for me to respond to email but I will respond, and I will be on campus fairly regularly.

Have a fun, restful, and/or productive summer!

KC

Court Observation

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Me and one of my classmates went to court on May 21 and it was a sentencing, He was detained last year and the court was Eastern District of New York, United States District Court. We looked at the court website to see what was available. It was U.S v Shakeem Rankin and he was arrested for possession of child pornography and distribution of it. I observed that he looked pretty sad for what he did. He kept looking towards the back maybe for his family members. He looked pretty regular and a normal guy. You wouldn’t think someone like him would be doing something so horrific. It opened my eyes because it shows anyone can be committing crime no matter how regular and innocent they may look.

Court Observation- Gabriella Torres

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I attended the court observation with my classmates to the Eastern District of New York, United States District Court. Here we got to see a plea change from not guilty to guilty. The federal judge proceeded to ask the defendant questions to determine if he was of sound mind when making this decision. I thought this was very interesting because we got to see how respectful the encounters can be between attorneys. Its very different from TV where attorneys are often disrespectful to each other. It also made me appreciate that everyone was calm and respectful during the proceeding. It made the environment seem more stable even though we were in a courtroom.

Court Observation

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Last week I had the opportunity to attend a courtroom with our class, the trial which we  saw took place in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. This specific trial revolved around the change on plea from not guilty to guilty by a young man in his 20’s. The man was asked a series of questions by the judge, in which he accepted the crimes he committed such as robbery (they used another term) and the intent to harm another rival’s gang member. Personally, it was my first time in court ever, I really enjoyed hearing a trial first hand, I was surprised about how easy it was to follow along with what the trail was about and I was genuinely entertained. I really did enforce my interest in law and i’m looking forward to an internship in a court to expand my knowledge. one thing that I did notice through the trial was that only the female lawyer stood up when addressing the judge, which made her seem so much respectful compared to the other lawyers in the courtroom whom responded to the judges question from their seats. I don’t know if it was her way to appeal better to the judge or an unspoken rule but her mannerism really stood out as how she was the only one doing so.

Law in Culture

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Title: Night Stalker

Tiller Russel and James Carroll

Released: January 13, 2021

 

This documentary was about a notorious serial killer who is named the Night Stalker but his real name is Richard Remirez. The legendary homicide investigator Frank Salerno and young detective Gil Carrillo go on a hunting spree against the clock to stop a nocturnal monster that is responsible for a series of seemingly disconnected sexual assaults and murders in 1985 Los Angeles. The documentary Night Stalker highlights several concepts, particularly the ethical practice of law and the workings of the court system. It portrays the critical balance between the defendant’s right to a fair trial and media influence. The documentary also touches on the importance on the importance of proper evidence handling, the role of defense attorneys, and the presumption of innocence. The underscore how ethical obligations and legal standards shape the justice process, even in the high profile and emotionally charged criminal cases like Richard Ramirez’s. My reaction was that I was really in tuned and shocked of how much people he murdered and sexually assaulted and it took them almost a year I believe  to catch him. It also made me a little sad because so much people had to live in fear of what if I lock my doors at night and he still breaks in, or what if I’m next and I would hate to feel that fear in my heart every night. Throughout the documentary, the news reporter stated that she was sleeping one night and woke up to her cat hovering over her and she said I imagined the victims last thing seeing. I do recommend it because it is really interesting to watch and is also eye opening to be careful and always lock your doors for your safety no matter what because you never know who is out there doing the same act as him.

Court Observation

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i missed the court Observation but i went on a different day and I observed a small claims case at Kings County Civil Court involving a breach of contract between a contractor and a homeowner. The plaintiff, Mr. Jackson, claimed the defendant, Ms. Rivera, owed him $4,200 for remodeling work. The defendant argued that the job was incomplete and poorly done. Both parties represented themselves. The judge listened patiently, asked clarifying questions, and encouraged both sides to present photos and receipts. In the end, the judge recommended mediation before proceeding to a formal hearing. This experience helped me understand the structure of civil court and how even small claims cases follow proper legal procedures. It also showed me the importance of evidence, clear communication, and courtroom etiquette.

TOMORROW! (Tu May 20) FINAL quiz & review for final exam! PRIZES!!

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Hello Students!

Just a reminder, tomorrow (Tu May 20), at the START of class, we’ll take the last of our four quizzes, covering Legal Research & Legal Writing (textbook chs. 7 & 9).  PLEASE study for it, and arrive on time so you can take it!  (If you arrive after it’s finished, you will not be permitted to take it, and your grade on it will be zero. 🙁 )  After the quiz, we’ll review for the final exam by playing a fun game!  There will be prizes!! 🙂  In prep for that, please review your notes and other materials, particularly what’s identified in these study suggestions. On Thursday, May 22, you’ll take the final exam.  PLEASE study for it, and arrive on time for that class too!

Have a pleasant evening, see you tomorrow!

KC

 

law in culture

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title- Suits

Author- Aaron Korsh

released date- June 23, 2011

Suits is a legal drama series that aired from 2011 to 2019, it was set in a fictional New York City law firm, it follows Harvey Specter , a charismatic senior partner, who hires Mike Ross , a brilliant college dropout with a photographic memory, to be his associate. The crazy part is, Mike never attended law school. Together, they navigate complex legal cases while concealing Mike’s secret from their colleagues, including the firm’s managing partner Jessica Pearson and the ambitious Louis Litt. The series is celebrated for its sharp dialogue, stylish visuals, and compelling character dynamics. Rachel Zane, a paralegal with aspirations of becoming a lawyer, who becomes romantically involved with Mike. Their relationship adds a personal layer to the show’s legal drama , but for those interested in legal dramas with a mix of humor and intrigue, Suits offers an engaging and entertaining experience.

the reason I love the show so much is because it has the mix of everything I like drama, comedy , romance and of course law, I know that most if what happened in the show isn’t real or not something that would happen in the real world but the thought and the drive I got from watching it made me really want to become a lawyer but it also made me realize what kinda lawyer I would want to be just in case stuff like that does happen in the litigation world of law lol

law & culture

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Title : White collar

Author : Jeff Eastin

Released: October 23, 2009

Con artist Neal Caffrey is the subject of White Collar. He is apprehended by FBI agent Peter Burke and, in exchange for his release, agrees to assist the government in apprehending white-collar crooks. The program examines legal ideas such as law enforcement ethics, especially the hazy boundaries between legitimate and unlawful investigation techniques. It emphasizes the significance of jurisdictional boundaries, the use of confidential informants, and due process. When agents and criminals work together, moral conundrums occur that call into question government discretion, rehabilitation, and justice. The show offers a compelling perspective on how legal regimes strike a balance between constitutional guarantees and the effectiveness of law enforcement.

My reaction to what I watched was, I felt very interested in that side of the law because I never knew how hard the FBI white collar division can be and how intense it is. I honestly loved the show. I am currently still watching it. It is definitely one of my favorites it portrays a wonderful example of, how the FBI approaches things and how the government can be very corrupt in a way it definitely has affected my view of the law just making me believe a little more how there are certain divisions we may not hear much about but they are very important to our society and the balance in our government such as the white collar division I definitely feel like this show shows diversity and equality in all aspects. You get scenarios of all kinds with all kinds of people and all kinds of relationships. It also shows the wonderful relationship you have with your fellow colleagues all it takes is a little trust and honesty . I will definitely recommend the show to anybody who is interested in learning about different areas of the law, especially in white collar.

Court Observation

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Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a class court observation at the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. It was an incredibly exciting and surreal experience, especially since it was my first time in a courtroom setting. The case we observed involved a change in plea from not guilty to guilty for a 26-year-old defendant named Martial Amilcar, who was affiliated with a Brooklyn based gang called the Hyena Crips. The defendant pled guilty to Count 1, which involved racketeering activities. These included stealing sensitive personal information, such as Social Security numbers and driver’s license details, from small businesses and individuals during the year of 2020. He was also accused of attempting to cause the death of a rival gang member. During the proceeding, the judge asked him all the necessary questions to ensure that he was not under the influence of any drugs and that his decision to change his plea was made voluntarily, truthfully, and with a clear understanding of all the consequences. The judge, a woman, stood out to me for her professionalism, kindness, and knowledge. She led the courtroom with confidence and fairness, and what made the experience even more special was that she allowed us to ask questions at the end from the attorneys and herself as well. She was incredibly sweet and informative, which made a huge impression on me. A funny detail I learned during the observation was that Amilcar is currently being held in the same jail as Diddy, though Diddy is in the VIP section. Also, after searching the defendants name I learned that he committed crimes like murder before.