COURT WATCHER COMMENTS 1st Half of 2009

SECTION A

Numerous problems with paperwork of defendants. Incorrect misspelled addresses, etc., Judge called for a clerk to report for explanation of recurring problem.

Judge took bench at 10:16, 2 DAs, 2 police officers, 4 attorneys, 6 prisoners, 9 other attorneys coming and going waiting for judge to come in

Prosecution and defense got pretty heated, at times verged on unbecoming if not unprofessional. Judge cracks a few jokes; jury seems to appreciate it.

Deputies were good at handing some problem cases in audience

Judge did a very professional, expeditious job

Excellent detailed testimony by NOPD and NOFD bomb squad

Defense counsel made an outstanding closing argument; she really made the case.

SECTION B

Judge’s style seems very informal, often interrupting state and defense attorneys. Seems to have a good knowledge of the law but the informality seems unprofessional. Also, courtroom too noisy

Prosecutors are very unorganized.

Court was confusing and loud. Could not hear everything.

SECTION C

Judge opened court at 9:15 at 9:25 left the bench to his office. Returned 9:40.

Very frustrating day in court. No one speaks up, including judge, so it is quite hard to understand what's going on. Court does not seem to run smoothly. Lots of "down time" with judge on bench, side conferences, no explanation of the delay.

SECTION D

When judge finally took bench he acted like it was everyone else’s fault that court was starting late.

Judge was in full stride today. He kept things moving. His experience is really evident. I think it's a good court.

Judge speaks loudly and clearly and is in charge of his court

Prosecution helpful to court watchers and others—made sure we knew what was happening

The deputy in court is unprofessional to everyone involved in court

Court closed—no sign, just locked door.

Defense attorneys all late and mostly unprepared

SECTION E

Judge conducts her court in a professional manner. She is respectful and a good judge, period.

Total time off of bench - unannounced breaks = 1 hour 18 min

Clerks very helpful. I like this judge. Everyone respectful and knew she was in charged. One comment, she let a defendant off who was intimidating a witness. Said he'd be in trouble if he did it again.

A nice change to see a judge who conducts herself with such respect and knowledge—a pleasure!

Fourth time trial was continued due to another trial; each time judge said would be no more continuances (according to docket master).

Judge is very good at making clear what's happening. A nice, orderly, efficient day in court.

Too much done at bench. State doesn't use microphone - hard to hear what's going on. Lots of milling around and talking.

SECTION F

Judge is quite correct, demanding, and severe—especially with late attorneys and defendants. Expresses her displeasure very clearly. The courtroom is very orderly. She is wonderfully punctual. She got on the phone with the district commander, who had the necessary officer in court within 15 minutes. She also sent messages to missing attorneys, who then showed up quickly.  It was an admirable performance.

SECTION G

Judge is tough, careful, fair, compassionate.  His court is truly orderly and dignified.

Judge made an excellent opening briefing to the jury—very clear, courteous, forceful. He was relaxed and as usual garrulous. Used ordinary examples to illustrate such things as reasonable doubt, etc.

Judge is excellent—he demands respect from defendants while explaining defendants’ rights. It is a pleasure to be a court watcher in this court.

I know he can be excentric but he is a good judge!

This judge is a little hard on both sides

Police was a no-show

SECTION H

If meeting would be scheduled earlier, 10+ attorneys, 4 police officers would not have just been sitting around waiting for judge. Due to late court start today, it is now 1:30 p.m. and only 50% of docket has been called.

No sheriff at the courtroom door

Judge treats all with respect and runs a compassionate courtroom. Drug court well-run.

SECTION I

Calm and fair in addressing defendants

Judge maintained good flow.  She always explained to defendants what was happening and why, etc. Good court.

This is a lovely court to be in - orderly, courteous, efficient.

The defense attorneys were scattered all over the building and to be tracked down, so there was some empty time but everything was orderly.

SECTION J

A policewoman said "thank you for what you are doing,"  to court watcher!

Senior ADA came over to us and told us about her cases, which was a helpful and kind thing to do.

Judge’s greatest flaw is he is not definitive in his decisions

Court broke from 10:40 to 11:45

Tight court, sharply decisive – his whole affect was much better than the last few times I have been in J. I have always liked him – he conscientious, fair, and serious. The hearing was beautifully conducted, including excellent argument on both sides, very lawyerly! Judge was excellent in presenting his reasons for his ruling. Senior ADA is always enormously helpful providing information unasked. Very pleasant, good lawyer I think.

Sheriff’s deputies: loud sleeping, eating, and very unprofessional in court

These deputies did a good job till the trial started and one of the deputies seated next to the bench fell asleep

Judge causes unnecessary delays by not taking bench in a timely manner. He keeps trial from progressing with delays, i.e., eye doctor appointment, late return from lunch, etc.

Sheriff deputies were alert and even escorted woman from audience!

SECTION K

Same day as the Metropolitan Crime stats on judges hit the paper, I wanted to know if it would change the judges tardiness? Judge took the bench at 10:07 a.m.

Judge was on the phone during the testimony of the NOPD officer. Court Deputy seemed to be napping or resting with his head down in the rear of courtroom.

Court seems out of order. Court clerk is having a personal conversation on the court phone. When I asked her about the reset date for a case I was watching he said it was on the internet, then went back to her phone conversation.

State attorney’s dress was unprofessional

SECTION L

In this section if defense attorney's case is called and they are not present, a defense continuance is filed. In a couple of cases defense attorney had checked in, however left for another section.

Officers were precise and articulate.

It is always a pleasure to be in this court

Well-conducted, efficient, and orderly. DAs were well-prepared and crisp

Judge was conscientious in explaining all situations to defendants

Court moved smoothly through several matters. Overall impression of prosecutor, defense, NOPD, Judge, and sheriff’s deputies were observed to be thoroughly professional.

Section L is a well-run court

This was an unbelievable day and judge was not happy with DA's office, the clerk’s office, some of the defense attorneys. It was an example of a system that is not working.