I showed up for my introduction at the Suffolk County courthouse in Central Islip at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 5, 2017. I was feeling exhausted from the previous night and unsure of what to anticipate. Many people were coming as I entered the building; I assumed they were attorneys, court personnel, and perhaps additional interns. I was told to go to one of the courtrooms on the second level, where the orientation was starting. I was greeted by the coordinator, who also signed me in and handed me a packet after taking my name. I sat down after that and observed many other interns around me. There were approximately 60 interns in the room with me. One of the coordinators spoke, greeted us and expressed how excited the office that was how the interns were going to learn and discover how the court system works. She said it was all about networking and making friends. There were certain speakers such as the Commissioner of Jurors, Chief Clerk and the Deputy Chief Clerk, each explaining what their job title consisted of and their day to day tasks. I am under the direction of the Deputy Chief Clerk, Len Badia. When he was speaking, he was very funny and personable. Chief Badia explained how the courthouse is daily and explained that if certain people could not handle being in an intense environment, then this internship was not for them. After all of the guest speakers were finished, one of the Court Officers had given us a tour the different arraignment rooms. Orientation finished after the tour, the interns who follow Chief Badia were instructed to go back to the main orientation room as he was meeting us there to go over further instructions. He came in and told us that we would be going to the arraignment rooms for the first few weeks as I will be assigned what room to go. I could either end up in family court or go to different arraignments for certain cases. Once he finished instructing us, we were dismissed to leave
1.) Reflective
This was my very first day at the intern site. As I walked inside, I felt myself feeling very nervous about learning new processes and being in a courthouse and sitting through arraignments for the first time. I was very excited to be able to witness up close and personal the inner workings of the arraignment process. When we had started the orientation in one of the rooms, I noticed a lot of interns were there and wondered if any of them would be placed in the same location as me. I was skeptical that our particular court officer who I was assigned to Chief Badia was not going to be able to have time to answer any individual questions due to how many people were in our group. This being my first day I did not get to experience any of the cases, but I was happy with my placement.
2.) Analysis
a.) Criminal justice Concept
This was a week that I introduced myself to the real criminal procedures. However, I had less time to ask questions since it was my first time to be introduced to the people involved in the prosecution of cases in court. There was no case I attended during the day because I spent much of the time with my assigned Chief Badia in making me get acquainted with the procedures and other activities so that I can be aware of what to expect during a case session.
b.) Active Experimentations
I did enjoy every moment I was taken round the premises and told what the specific rooms were meant for and the activities that took place. The idea I came to learn was that in a court room, there are not only magistrates but judges and lawyers who represent the defendants and complainants. During my first day at the courts, I too much of the time asking Chief Badia questions and eh manner to conduct myself while attending to the court cases. The arraignment process was so enticing, and I was eager to make more attendances to gain more experience and learn more because different cases were to be dealt with regarding the complexity of the details.
c.) Evaluation of Tasks Performed and Assessment of Accomplishments
Being my first day and week in the court process on my internship, I made great progress by mastering the procedures and understanding the different divisions within the judicial process. I was not only able to interact with other interns, but I had a good time with my assigned chief to take me through the processes and ensure that I had all that it required before my first attendance in court hearings. A large number of interns that were in the room gave me the strength to face the challenge and motivated e on the learning process. I felt that we were a group that needed to learn hence the morale to ask questions and express attitudes where I had not understood the process.
Friday, June 16, 2017
9:00am-5:00pm
My first day being at the courthouse I was anxious to start and see what types of cases I was going to be witnessing. I met with one of the court officers that I previously met at orientation. The court officer informed me to start in courtroom D11. As I proceeded to head into the courtroom a lot of the defendants were already seated waiting for their cases to be called. Lawyers were sitting in the front two rows on both sides of the room which was only reserved for attorneys. Security was very tight due to their being many court officers. It took a few moments for the lawyers to get settled and the stenographer to get situated. Within a few moments, the judge arrived, and the proceedings began. Most of the defendants present were faced with misdemeanors. A few of the defendants had committed traffic violations, and the judge ruled to take their license away for two or more years. For the first few hours, most of the cases had to do with traffic violations. After the traffic violations, a few defendants came in handcuffs that were being charged with possession of a controlled substance. They were all young males the youngest being 18 years old. The lawyer of the youngest was making a plea to the judge that this young man had never been in any trouble beforehand and that this would be his first offense. I felt bad for this young man is that he is so young and that he is not a repeat offender. The young man ended up being sentenced and has a bail of 15,000 cash, and his next court hearing was a month away. His parents were there and you could that they were visibly upset especially his mother. I can understand how this mother felt seeing her child being brought in handcuffs and facing serious jail time. Near the end of the day, more people were being sentenced for traffic violations and getting their licenses revoked or having possession of a controlled substance.
1.)Reflective
As I was walking inside the courthouse, I was excited that I was finally going to be inside the courtroom. When the arraignments started, I did not realize how many drug and traffic violations I was going to encounter during my intern. It seemed to me that most of the decisions the different judges had made were all pretty much the same. In particular, the defendants who had driven without a license or had been driving without a license it was to automatically take their license away for a certain period. I never understand how taking someone’s license away is going to stop someone from actually being out on the road. To me, if someone already has a vehicle what is to stop them from getting behind the wheel and driving? Not having a license I don’t believe is going to stop anyone who has prior convictions on their record. For some taking away their license could be a life lesson and will make them think twice. I would never risk driving without a license or a suspended license. If something were to happen to an individual while I was driving and caused a serious accident when I was not even supposed to be on the road, to begin with, would haunt me for the rest of my life.
2.) Analysis Section
a.) Criminal Justice Concepts
Because it was my first time attending a court proceeding, it was a great opportunity to learn how counter arguments are made in a courthouse. The lawyers could make defending statements regarding the offenses committed. On this case, a person was found driving without a license, and the penalty was to take it away for a specified period as a punishment to ensure that a license is held at all times a driver is on the road driving.
b.) Active Experimentation
Although the law requires every driver to have his/her driving license while on the road behind the wheels, according to me the facts old have been expelled without any form of punishment as it seemed to be a minor issue. It had always been believed that anyone who had a car would sit behind the wheels and drove anywhere anytime without taking into consideration of the license issue. The consequences of driving without a license can make the party in fault to escape liability due to the ignored rule of having a license during driving. Hence, the case made drastic changes to the manner I understood the traffic rules.
c.) Evaluation of Tasks Performed and Assessment
Attending to the proceedings of this case made me understand that the simple things that the common man takes for granted counts a lot to the law. Considering the obvious and expected results of ever driver to arrive at the desired destinations, thinking of the idea of driving without a license and cause an accident will make a person learn the hard way. Some of the things that the society ignores and takes for granted should be treated with great care because the occurrence of the negative side of them can cause a jail term of a fine.
Friday, June 23
9:00am-5:00pm
I arrived at the courthouse and was again instructed to go to the same courtroom D11 as the supervisor had said in the email that we would be coming into this courtroom as he wanted us to witness the arraignment process. The first few cases were mostly traffic violations and DUI cases. A lot of the defendants who were getting convicted of a DUI were of the age range 40-50, which was surprising because I was under the impression it would mostly be of people in a younger age range. During several proceedings, the court officers were telling people to remain quiet and to stay off of their cell phones. One individual started raising his voice towards the officer as three other officers approached and reprimanded him. The male proceeded to get up and leave the courtroom. Later on, the same male came back inside, quietly and sat down. A few other people had to be reprimanded because they were loud and disruptive. The lawyers were having conversations among themselves about the behavior in the courtroom. One of the defendants who was being tried for controlled substance ended up needing a Spanish interpreter. The male was in his 30's and had multiple counts of possession. His attorney spoke very well of him and appeared to be "selling" his client's good qualities to the judge which I thought to be ridiculous. I understand this man is trying to take care of his family and is going to school but does not excuse his behavior especially when it can endanger the lives of others. After this case, we braked for lunch and then came back around 2:00 p.m... The remaining cases for the day were an order of protection case and most DUI cases. During the rest of the day, a lot more people were acting out to the officers by not getting off their cell phones.
1.)Reflective
While at the courthouse today I noticed a lot of disruptive behavior as some of the proceedings going on. People were on their cell phones and talking loudly especially when lawyers and even when the judge was speaking. I left my phone off in my pocket the entire time because I did not want to be rude. There were signs posted as you walked into the courtroom that all cell phones either had to be off or be turned on silent. I felt that it was very rude and disrespectful for people to assume because they are not the ones standing on possible trial that they had every right to do as they pleased. I commend the court officers for doing their jobs efficiently while remaining calm and collected. For them, their priority is everyone in that room’s safety, and if they feel as though people are going to be a problem, they brought them outside. For one of the cases, I was watching the attorney was attempting to sell the defendants good qualities to the judge. I believe for one he was trying to this because he obviously does not want to see his client in any more trouble than he is already in. But also because he needs to do everything in his power to make sure his client gets off with the lowest charge possible because if he doesn’t, he does not get paid. I believe the defense attorneys are trying their hardest to make it seem like these individuals do not deserve the type of punishment that they are deemed to which is ridiculous.
2.) Analysis Section
a.) Criminal Justice Concepts
This was the second case I was attending to the courthouse, and the manner proceedings were conducted I learned that it was an offense to raise your voice without permission or disrupt the proceedings with any form of interference. The man who tried to raise his voice was taken into a separate room, and I never understood what took place. However, after a few minutes, the man was brought back and this time he was so quiet and very attentive.
b.) Active Experimentation
During the second case hearing, we came back to room D11 that was dealing with traffic and DUI cases. In case a defendant does not understand the language used is allowed to bring in a personal interpreter to do the translation and help in answering the asked questions. In this case, a Spanish defendant was allegedly tried for being I possession of drugs. I had expected that DUI cases could be committed by people below the age f 30, but it was to my surprise that all those tried for DUI cases were within the age of 40-50.
c.) Evaluation of Tasks
During the study of law in class, some of the aspects that a student expects to meet in the practical work do not apply as intended. The witnessing of the translation of language to a Spanish person who was tried in court enabled me to learn that language cannot be a barrier to trials in court; specialized foreign language experts are available to facilitate communication. Another important thing that I learned from this case was that offenses of r crimes couldnot be linked to age. I was so mistaken by believing that DUI cases can only be of people under the age of 3o but I was surprised t witness people of above 40-years tried.
June 30, 2017
9:00am-5:00pm
I started the internship day again in the same courtroom listening to the arraignments. There were quite a few more women this day being tried for DUI and also grand theft. There was a young woman who came in for grand theft came into the courtroom dressed very provocative. There was a man behind me making comments and some of the attorneys also were snickering at her outfit. The judge had also pointed out her proactive stating that she should have more respect for herself. The young girl ended up getting probation and had to pay a fine of $3,000 and she was scheduled for another court date in a month. There were also more people disobeying the rules of the courtroom by continuing to be on their phones and talking loudly. As it was getting closer to the lunch break, one male was very uncooperative with one of the court officers. He refused to put his phone away and was yelling at the court officer. The male was then handcuffed in the courtroom and reprimanded by the judge. She threatened to hold him in contempt of court and eventually had him arrested and thrown out of the courtroom. A lot of people had shocked looks on their faces while others were laughing at him. We then braked for lunch and came back inside the courtroom. A young male was brought in for a substance felony conviction. This gentleman had multiple prior convictions, and the judge mandated a 75,000 bond. By the end of the day, it had quieted down, where no one had any more issues as far as misbehaving. The cases were pretty much cut and dry which was a turn from the start of the day.
1.)Reflective
Again today more people were disruptive in the courtroom, but it was not as bad as the previous
week. I was able to see more how bail amounts varied between different levels of crimes committed. On
one spectrum you had someone who was driving while intoxicated as well as grand theft with only a
$3,000 fine she had to pay and then a bail set $75,000 for a gentleman who was selling drugs. I believe
that someone driving intoxicated is on the same level as someone who is on the streets selling any form
of drugs. Both are endangering the lives of others and felt that decision to be unjust. I understand that
certain crimes have to be weighed and if the person is considered a danger but someone who is
convicted of a DUI is a danger to society.
2.) Analysis
Criminal Justice Concepts
I went to the courtroom this day again to listen to arraignments as the judges were to hear cases of a few women. The women were dressed in provocative ways that amused almost everyone in the courtroom. One of the judges requested the lady dressed to have some respect for her. The ladies were judged of DUI and grand theft cases. But due to the poor dressing is done by one f the ladies, she was fined $3,000 to make her learn that proper dressing must be maintained for respect in the courtroom. On this day more people were disorganized as some were engaging in loud talks while others were concentrating on their phones. One of the males who tried t yell at the judge was handcuffed and reprimanded by the judge. He was later convicted of felony and a bond of 75,000 was demanded from him.
Active Experimentation
It was to my expectation that since most of the people this day were unsettled could lead to more arrests in the court. Surprisingly the judge only imposes a fine the lady who had dressed provocatively and the man who was yelling at the judge. It made me learn that in some occasions, the extreme cases can be punished and another set free as most of the people were unsettled during this day but went without being charged.
Evaluation of Tasks
A major step that I made during the hearing of this days case was that in some instances, a group could commit an offense but selective individuals reprimanded to avoid judging everyone that will bring congestion to the courts. The crowd created disturbing moments during this day’s hearing but only one man was reprimanded and the lady with poor dressing in the courtroom. The step I made in my career from this hearing was to judge matter conclusively and avoids creating scenes that can bring suspicion on competence. The judge failed to judge the entire crowd but selected two cases that were fascinating and even disturbed the public.
July 14, 2017
9:00am-5:00pm
This week I was to go back to the same courtroom to hear more arraignments. The day started off with a young girl being brought in on a DUI charge. This girl has had multiple priors and was possibly facing jail time. The attorney was speaking on behalf of the young girl, but the whole time she was rolling her eyes and acting like what was happening did not affect her. The judge reprimanded her and told her that her license was revoked and that she was to be brought back in a month for sentencing. Only then did she start to cry and get upset at the thought that she could be locked up. Her mother started to break down when her daughter started crying. I honestly felt no remorse for the girl. I believe that she had no remorse for what she has done and did not appear in the slightest to be apologetic. While she could have been endangering lives of others she only thought about herself. This is what the judge was trying to convey to her that she was selfish and inconsiderate and needed to be punished for it. A case then came in for a male who had multiple convictions for drug possession and was in court today for possession of crack cocaine. The attorney presented the back ground of the male that he had grown up in this lifestyle. That he had no family and no guidance as his parents passed away at a young age. The lawyer was stating that because this gentleman had a hard life, he should be released and for him to seek treatment. The lawyer stated that he wanted to get rehab treatment and to get himself better. The judge did not agree with the attorney due to the felony charge against him and set his bail up to $100,000. It appeared that the male’s girlfriend was in the back and heard the bail amount and started crying. This day was hard for the first two cases, very emotional in the courthouse. I felt bad for the male who was trying to get help and make his life better. I feel that in those circumstances people should be given the option to seek treatment for them instead of locking them away. Rehabilitation can do great things for people who want to help themselves.
Reflective Observations and Feelings
I found it very interesting this week when families come to the arraignments and to see how bail and hearing criminal charges against their loved ones can truly affect a person. I witnessed a woman break down in the courtroom because her husband had gotten a bail set of $100,000. The man who was being arraigned was an addict and was attempting to better his life. The judge did not want to take into the account this man’s goals in trying to get into a rehab program. I agreed with the judge 100%. I felt that because this man was possibly going to face jail time that he wanted to plead to the judge that he needed help. I believe that you can only help a person if they truly want to get help and if this gentleman had wanted help, then he would not be a repeat offender. I do believe in second chances, but this man has had way too many chances given to him. I fully understand why the judge set his bail that high but can sympathize with the wife/girlfriend. I can’t imagine seeing your loved one having been put in jail awaiting their trial.
2.) Analysis
a.) Criminal Justice Concepts
On this day I went back to the same room to witness the hearings of cases. There was a lady who had committed a series of crimes, and she was being tried one after another. Instead of feeling sorry to the family members who were present in the courtroom, she didn’t care what she had done. The judge was stressing that some of the crimes done directly affect the loved ones. An example is a man who had his bail raised to $100,000 and the girlfriend was so bitter and couldn’t imagine that her boyfriend was to remain in jail waiting for trial.
b.) Active Experimentation
When crimes are committed, they affect the people close to the victim hence deny them peace as they spend much of the time thinking about the people in jail. However, some people can be allowed to go back home and continue with their life due to the circumstances that led to the cause of crime. The man who was convicted of possessing drugs was told that he was going through difficult times due to the death of his parents hence was given a chance to undergo rehabilitation to change his life. Some cases can be understood considering the situations the people are involved.
c.) Evaluation of Tasks
After the court hearing from this date, I understood the concept why people could commit the same crime but face different charges. The man who was granted a chance to visit the rehab was due to the circumstances that he underwent to make it in life without the support of parents. Also if a person had committed a series of cases, the court hearings are set based on the crimes, and they cannot be combined as they are considered to be different charges that can attract fines or jail terms differently based on the magnitude of the effect to the community.
