Monday, January 12, 2009

Something New in Court...

Something new has been added to the introduction made by at least one judge in McHenry County Courts. I was visiting in Judge Robert Beaderstadt's courtroom this morning, and he has added information that if a person in his court is not a U.S. citizen, he might be subject to deportation.

No one ran out the door today.

Judge Beaderstadt spoke loudly and clearly when he gave his general instructions to all in the courtroom before he began calling cases. His explanation of levels of charges and possible fines probably went over the heads of many in court, but at least he explained it all.

It was too bad that, after court started, the proceedings at the bench could not be heard as clearly as his instructions.

The bailiff did nothing to quiet the several attorneys who milled around the courtroom and held informal, stand-up discussions with their clients, caring not one wit whether they interfered with the hearing by others of what was being said to or by Judge Beaderstadt.

Judge Beaderstadt did announce that everything in the courtroom would be recorded, but why doesn't he insist that the courtroom be still and that attorneys and "customers" of the court speak up so that their voices can be heard throughout the courtroom? I suspect that he may just not be aware that at least some of us in his courtroom want to hear what is being said at the bench.

It would certainly be easy and inexpensive to amplify the sound gathered by the microphones at the bench. Then we could all hear.

A word to the attorneys milling around. Take your conversations outside. If you are worried about missing a call of your case, then meet with your clients before court starts.

And to the bailiff (oops, courtroom security officer): Please be more aware of the disturbance caused by the attorneys and quiet them down. Thanks!

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