Wheels of justice....
So I went to court again yesterday (job related). This is the eighth or ninth time I have been. It amazes me everytime how the 'wheels of justice' seem to come to grinding halt these days. In my eight or nine visits to court I have seen three rulings (charges ranging from weapons possesion to assaulting an officer etc). It also amazes me how well inmates know how to play the game. First, they go to a preliminary, when the judge decides if there is enough information to go ahead with a trial, and if the individual has/needs counsel. Most times I sit for a few hours so the judge can set a date to try the cases. Then if it gets to trial, like yesterday, and the individual has not yet spoken with their own lawyer or the public defender, the judge presses the issue, until the words 'yeah I want a lawyer' inevitably come out of the convicts mouth. At this time the judge is inclined to postpone trial AGAIN sothe inmate can do what was required of them after the FIRST court date. Amazing. Not only do they allow this foolishness, they practically encourage it. One individual told the judge five times 'it don't matter' regarding his choice not to have a lawyer represent him. This was his TRIAL date, not preliminary. After questioning the inmates time left in prison, discussing the charges and possible added jail time the inmate again responded with 'it don't matter'. But the judge pressed on, until finally 'oh yeah, I want a lawyer' oozed out of the inamtes mouth. At which time a postponement was set immediately. Incredible. Once again these individuals are not being held responsible for anything. After the preliminary hearing it is determined if you have or need representation. At the trial date there should be no question. you have had AMPLE time to make these arrangements. And we are supposed to be teaching responsibility. Way to go.
posted by Z-Man @ 7:40 AM
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