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.
3 thoughts on “Court Observation”
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My observation was that of People, V, Charles Hernandez for a double murder in Brooklyn in 2020. The judge presiding was Daniel Chong. I traduce myself and met Matthew Perry, senior assistant, district attorney of the homicide bureau, Laila Rosining Bureau Chief homicide bureau Defense counsel was Michelle Riddell from Brooklyn defenders, and Richard Torres, forensic counsel. I had the opportunity to observe four times and got a really good impression of how the trial process works and how circumstantial cases are built. What I also learned was that each side is for each defendant or plaintiff. I ironically sat where there was the most chairs and it happened to be on the defendants side. I got a couple of side eyes from the plaintiff side. I was able to talk to the Mom of the two murdered people and told her how much strength she had shown during her testimony even though the defense tried to trip her up a little bit, she was still steadfast in her words and held her composure. This is a woman who witnessed two of her family members get shot by another family member with an AR 15. I was able to see all the body cams of the first responders of the first officer, and also the crime scene unit. It was surreal to see a murder happen, and to have it be heard, and witnessed by everyone in the gallery. I distinctly remember the playback of the shots was so you’re deafening and scary to hear and I can only imagine what the people who had to endure this tragic ordeal.
Thanks Craig! It sounds like you had a fascinating experience. Grade: 5/5. KC
Thanks Gearenis! I think it’s always a good idea to stand when addressing a judge, to show respect. I’m glad you had a positive experience! Grade: 5/5. KC