Good Example Of Court Visitation Essay

I visited the Benton County Circuit Court in downtown Carvallis on May 23, 2016 at 1:00pm. The main reason for the visit is in compliance with the class requirement to observe a hearing. Being well-versed with the fundamental court etiquette, I approached the lady in the reception area to ask for permission if I can observe of the hearings scheduled during that day. Seeing no problem with my request, I was assisted to Court Room no. 4. I arrived early for the hearing as the people were only starting to take their seats in the court room. The case that I attended was a case of the State of Oregon vs. Spring Michelle Stevens. The case was a case of misdemeanour.
The case of Spring Michelle Stevens was first settled in September 24, 2008. Based on the rules of Oregon, they often categorize misdemeanour crimes based on their sentence and class. This was made clear by the presiding judge. It was a good opportunity for me to be fully versed with rules such as this that I believe would serve as a great advantage in class. The case will fall in either one of the three (3) class categories, Class A, Class B and Class C. What the judge was working on is the category. The defendant’s attorney was attempting to argue that his client case must only fall in Class C which is the minimum type or up to thirty days incarceration. The misdemeanour that was being discussed was obstructing governmental or judicial administration.
At first, during the first few minutes of hearing, the court was silent as if the two parties were trying to read what the next move of the other would be. When the judge asked the defendant to testify, he was quickly bombarded with questions by the other camp. I was at awe with how the judge managed to keep the discussion at a personal level. There are times wherein a court hearing can get out of hand and would result to the postponement of the trial due to the fact that two parties would not cooperate and adhere to the basic etiquette of the court room. Some of the pieces of evidence shown by the rebutting party were the court attendance of the main accused. They are arguing that the accused was not appearing in court for the proper judiciary process. There were a number of opportunities for cross-examination however the judge was strict with how the parties object or defend during cross-examination. When the hearing adjourn by the order of the judge, both parties left the room quietly and the judge gave instructions for the next hearing session.
The hearing was at par with my expectations. The facts of the case were clearly discussed and the arguments made by the two attorneys were field with contextual rebuttals. I had a great sense of fulfilment upon finishing the hearing due to the fact that it displayed everything I learned in class. I saw how challenging and promising the world of law is and at the same time inspired me to work harder in class. I also had time to revaluate myself to check whether or not I am prepared to take such demanding and stressful work requirement, and to my surprise, despite the tension field atmosphere in the court room, I got hyped with the possibilities of law.