It's an unfortunate law that protects the public from knowing the truth about what goes on in courtrooms - a true violation of the right to know. But in Mass an individual must get permission first or its considered covert and breaks their own law Rule 1:19: Electronic Access to the Courts that they conveniently made so no judge can be held accountable and the public can not see the ills of the court system. If the public knew what really goes on in courtrooms, we'd have a riot. Occasionally courts own video recordings are obtained and as the results show, it's not often pretty and sometimes all that legal.
I think devices should be allowed in the courtroom. But I think it was Scott Turow who said to somebody he was defending, long before he became a famous author, using the old making the sausage analogy, THE PEOPLE like the RESULTS, but there's no way they'd back the justice system if they saw state senators writing the laws, and the different levels of the justice system, .....law enforcement, clerk magistrates, and the judges at work.
"It's an unfortunate law that protects the public from knowing the truth about what goes on in courtrooms - a true violation of the right to know."
Not so Walter, you are allowed as a citizen to sit in on most court proceedings. You can go in, ask a bailiff what cases are being dealt with and choose a courtroom in which to observe. A few of my friends did this many time while in law school. There are cases that are closed to the public such as when children are victims of violent crimes or when public knowledge may hinder or harm an investigation.
I have sat in on many cases heard at the Eastern Hampshire District Court and I have ALWAYS been impressed with the professionalism, fairness and kindness of each and every judge I have observed, especially Judge Paine.
Larry, if the parents saw the contrast between the way the UM students are treated and the much milder treatment of folks who have done far worse, they would put an end to it. That is the fear.
"There are cases that are closed to the public such as when children are victims of violent crimes or when public knowledge may hinder or harm an investigation."
Or just going to a divorce court where for instance in the Northampton court a sign says:
"Do not enter for any reason".
They'd rather you now know what goes on so put up illegal signs. More corruption goes on in the courts than the public knows. Sure you can sit in on some cases but how many people actually do and see what goes on. It's not until you are in there for real that you learn how the system works and why lawyers are all scum suckers. Yes ALL of the brotherhood!
Just look at the daly corruption that goes on in family courts :http://www.justiceforfamilies.us/
No wonder why a judge a day is convicted of a crime, suspended from the bench or investigated for less than stellar character.
What ever became of the MSP's appeal of Bill Nagle's refusal to prosecute the Quabbin Trespassers? Word was that the MSP was "Bull-Bleep" over it -- can't say I blame them.
It's an unfortunate law that protects the public from knowing the truth about what goes on in courtrooms - a true violation of the right to know. But in Mass an individual must get permission first or its considered covert and breaks their own law Rule 1:19: Electronic Access to the Courts that they conveniently made so no judge can be held accountable and the public can not see the ills of the court system. If the public knew what really goes on in courtrooms, we'd have a riot. Occasionally courts own video recordings are obtained and as the results show, it's not often pretty and sometimes all that legal.
ReplyDeleteI think devices should be allowed in the courtroom. But I think it was Scott Turow who said to somebody he was defending, long before he became a famous author, using the old making the sausage analogy, THE PEOPLE like the RESULTS, but there's no way they'd back the justice system if they saw state senators writing the laws, and the different levels of the justice system, .....law enforcement, clerk magistrates, and the judges at work.
ReplyDelete"It's an unfortunate law that protects the public from knowing the truth about what goes on in courtrooms - a true violation of the right to know."
ReplyDeleteNot so Walter, you are allowed as a citizen to sit in on most court proceedings. You can go in, ask a bailiff what cases are being dealt with and choose a courtroom in which to observe. A few of my friends did this many time while in law school. There are cases that are closed to the public such as when children are victims of violent crimes or when public knowledge may hinder or harm an investigation.
Or as the NSA, FBI and CIA would say, "national security."
ReplyDeleteI have sat in on many cases heard at the Eastern Hampshire District Court and I have ALWAYS been impressed with the professionalism, fairness and kindness of each and every judge I have observed, especially Judge Paine.
ReplyDeleteYes, he was my Mom's attorney many, many years ago; and he went well above-and-beyond the call of duty with her.
ReplyDeleteI just a little surprised with his take on transparency.
The Gazette just published a photo taken in Greenfield Superior Court of a murder trial.
Why not Eastern Hampshire District Court?
Larry, if the parents saw the contrast between the way the UM students are treated and the much milder treatment of folks who have done far worse, they would put an end to it. That is the fear.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen justice done in Belchertown. Never.
ReplyDeleteJudge Payne should be impeached.
And no, I have never been a defendant (of any sort) there. Just observer.
Oh I don't think the courts are any tougher on the kiddies than UMass Chancellor of Discipline (or whatever they call her).
ReplyDeleteOnly one rule in any district court. Bring your checkbook. The only justice served is to create revenue for the system.
ReplyDeleteDon't commit the crime, you won't pay a dime.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, a different court got a muzzle award for less...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.wgbhnews.org/post/banning-twitter-courtroom-muzzle-goes-judge-peter-lauriat
Wouldn't SJC Rule 1:19 sorta apply?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.lawsitesblog.com/2012/03/sjc-issues-new-rule-on-electronic-access-to-courts.html
"There are cases that are closed to the public such as when children are victims of violent crimes or when public knowledge may hinder or harm an investigation."
ReplyDeleteOr just going to a divorce court where for instance in the Northampton court a sign says:
"Do not enter for any reason".
They'd rather you now know what goes on so put up illegal signs. More corruption goes on in the courts than the public knows. Sure you can sit in on some cases but how many people actually do and see what goes on. It's not until you are in there for real that you learn how the system works and why lawyers are all scum suckers. Yes ALL of the brotherhood!
Just look at the daly corruption that goes on in family courts :http://www.justiceforfamilies.us/
No wonder why a judge a day is convicted of a crime, suspended from the bench or investigated for less than stellar character.
What ever became of the MSP's appeal of Bill Nagle's refusal to prosecute the Quabbin Trespassers? Word was that the MSP was "Bull-Bleep" over it -- can't say I blame them.
ReplyDelete