Court Reflection Essay

We attended the ACT Magistrates Court on 6th October 2017. We observed a criminal case.

On October 21, 2014 I went to a court to listen in on some proceedings. It was pretty difficult to find one that was open to the public in this court. Many courtrooms were private or some hearings were irrelevant with what I was looking for. The bailiffs were really nice they helped guide us to the big courtroom that allowed proceedings to be heard by the public. There were some trials that we couldn’t attend because it was a more serious crime or there were juveniles involved and since they are under age we couldn’t be there for it. The courtroom I was in had a professional atmosphere to it but kind of unorganized because there were a bunch of papers all over the place and some of the inmates didn’t show up so the judge would put them to the side. Majority of the inmates being held for drugs, driving under the influence, or physical violence.

Prosecuting those who commit crimes is very important to the overall wellbeing of society and the citizens within society. Prosecuting and convicting criminals not only prevents them from committing another crime, it also serves as a deterrent to others that may be considering breaking the law. Many courts make up the judicial branch and these courts are responsible for applying laws made by the government. The courts are made up of courtroom workgroups that are the basis of the courts proceedings.

It was with a small amount of embarrassment that I looked down from the bench (where the district court judge would have sat) upon a small girl, no older than 15, and her father shuffle in and find their seats in the courthouse. I was one of three judges that were assigned to hear, and give sentencing in this case by the local Youth Court office. The details of the case are as follows, the girl had been found by police, roaming the streets intoxicated at 3 am on a Thursday night. This was not like many of the other cases that I had experienced through my two years with Youth Court, due to the extremity of the case, and the reaction that was generated from the girl.

Hello judges, jurors, and everyone else present in this court room today. My name is Dr. Alyssa Diaz and I am an expert witness. I was called here to testify on this court case. Also I am here to inform you how examining a piece of hair from a suspect from a crime can help to find out who actually did commit the crime. There are some basic things that people should know about hair.

The Supreme Court in Virginia reviews decisions of the circuit courts and the Court of Appeals when such appeals have been allowed, decisions from the State Corporation Commission, and certain disciplinary actions of the Virginia State Bar regarding attorneys (“Virginia Court System”, 2009). The Court of Appeals in Virginia, reviews decisions of the circuit courts in domestic relations matters, traffic infractions and criminal cases, appeals from administrative agencies, and decisions of the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission. (“Virginia Court System”, 2009). When comes to the Circuit Court in Virginia, the circuit court is the general jurisdiction trial court with authority to try all types of civil and criminal cases. (“Virginia Court System”, 2009). The general district in Virginia, is a limited jurisdiction trial court that hears civil cases involving amounts in controversy up to $25,000, and conducts trials

The two basic types of courts in the United States are trial courts and appellate courts. These two types of courts have two entirely different functions. The job of a trial courts is to determine questions of fact. Appeals courts, on the other hand, must determine questions of law. Appellate courts have the right to overrule jury verdicts and judges decisions due to the fact that an appellate court typically concerns itself solely with issues of law. An appeal is not the time to retry the case or to reargue the facts. In civil matters, either party can appeal the decision of the trial court. Usually in criminal matters, however, only the defendant may appeal a criminal conviction and the state is not

The courts of the United Kingdom are institutions there are aim justice to all and deliver fair and equal trails. Although ‘fair and equal’ are not always true to some cases along with ‘justice to all’. Never the less either convicting someone for unlawful activity or resolving a civil dispute, the British legal system employs a variety of courts in its application of the law. It much reminds me of my home country the United States the different level of courts I mean. Magistrates courts have the jurisdiction to try minor offences then for more serious offences are referred to the Crown courts. There are also appellate courts, which include the Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court; formally known as the House of Lords. To

too exact and prosaic a kind to allow of his having any order in his

There are many things that have been and will be discussed regarding our justice system and the justice system of other countries. Differently there are varying types of courts all throughout these other countries as well. Similarly, all countries have criminal sanctions, sentencing practices, types’ of punishment, imprisonment, and death penalties. The question I present is what about all those whom have been wrongfully convicted, sentenced and then later on exonerated based upon DNA or whatever evidence available? What about the various countries whom have taken the act in an

I agree with the fact that the jury plays an absolutely vital role, and ultimately decides the fate of the defendant. However, I would argue that if the jury is not presented with sufficient knowledge and evidence regarding the full facts of the case, there is the potential to render an incorrect decision. In my opinion, the prosecutor and defense attorneys play the most crucial role in the courtroom. It is up to them to make the case, one way or the other, to sway the jury's opinion. Additionally, Professor Jones made an interesting remark in an e-mail correspondence. After browsing most of the posts this week, I believe it's a great point. All too often, the victim gets forgotten in the drama of the courtroom. Potentially the most

I have visited the George Allen SR. Courts building. It is located at 600 Commerce St, Dallas, TX 75202 in Dallas County. The various courts that are housed at the George Allen building are the 254th Family District Court, IV-D Family Court No.3, 95th Civil District Court all located in Dallas, Texas.

For my observation, I chose to observe a civil case that had to do with a divorce. I did some research on the cases, and chose one that was similar to an experience I went through. My parents are currently separated, and my father simply refused to pay child support. He lives outside of the state, so it was hard for my mother to have face to face confrontation with him. She got tired of raising three kids on her own, and finally decided to take him to court. I was required to serve as a witness. This took place in 2009, so I was thirteen years old and didn’t really understand much of what was going on. I timidly walked to the stand and was sworn in. I then answered the questions the attorney asked me.

This year during legal studies, I was able to help out with jacket racket organization, many others and I were able to bag donated jackets together. I learned as a group at the time that we all work fairly well together if we really put our minds to it. I also helped a little bit with the food hamper, Andrea and I were able to unbag the food donations and organize them into boxes as we collected the bags. Near the beginning of the year, the whole legal studies class was able to create a dance routine to warm-up for the Terry Fox run. Personally, I did not create the dance, but I was able to help out for the preparation of the run. In my group, we were able to organize music and many other things like the announcement. For the musical chairs event, I was able to help pull away chairs. At this time, we learned how to think quickly and act based on our given situations. I was also able to count money for the Terry Fox run, this took quite some time. Lastly, I was able to work a few games at the family dance even though I caught a fever.

For my court experience I went to the town over from me and sat in at the Fenton Judicial Center in Lawrence, Massachusetts. During my time here on Monday, I sat in on numerous arraignments and talked to the officer in charge of checking in people for the probation department. Upon arriving at the courthouse I had to go through the metal detectors and body scanners to make sure I had no metal on me. I found it interesting that no cell phones were allowed in the courthouse, even if they were turned off. Looking back at this, I think that is a good rule since many people would probably “forget” to silence their phones causing disturbances during trials. After going through security I was directed to Courtroom 1 where all the arrangements took place. Numerous cases regarding moving violations, traffic offenses and overnight arrests were heard in this courtroom.