The following student report was submitted by Ambassador League Agent Carri C. during the 2007-2008 League.
Shadowing a Local Leader
I decided to shadow a judge, his name is Thomas D. Wilson. He is a Circuit Court Judge in Jackson. I chose to shadow him because he helped with an SSI Mini Onsite 2 years ago, my mother knows him through the law office she works at and, because I am considering participating in the Mock Trial next year at SSI, I thought it would help me to prepare.
I also decided to interview him that day. So that was the first thing that we did. It was very interesting, and I learned a lot. He gave me an overview of what would be happening that day. He had criminal sentencings, where he would be telling the defendants if they would be going to jail, if and how much money they had to pay, and if they were to have probation. He also explained how he always reads the paperwork of each case the night before, so that he can be fully prepared to make a wise decision. He then gave an overview of some of the people he would be sentencing that day.
I was allowed to sit in the juror's's box during all of the sentencing, which gave me such a great view of everything going on. The courtroom was full of clients and their family and friends, and the press was also there, because a City Councilwoman was there to be sentenced for possession of marijuana and operating a drug house.
The sentencings covered everything from a probation violation, to drug use, to resisting arrest, and many people were sent to jail right away. One woman had been accused of not reporting to her probation officer and was arrested, but it was found out that she had not been able to reach the officer because the new number she had was faulty. She asked why would she not report to her officer, she had paid almost all of her fine and was almost finished with her probation, and always reported on time. The Judge had the prosecutor's office contact her probation officer and review the file. When he was able to determine the truth, she was then discharged.
The most interesting case was against the City Councilwoman. She walked in straight and tall with her head held high. Her lawyer reminded the Judge of her Personal Protection Order and asked that the no alcohol rule should be taken out in her case, as she had not been arrested for anything involving alcohol. Some of her sentences were delayed. In other words, if she complied with everything, they could be dismissed. But if she didn't, then she would be sentenced again with more penalties She received a $870 in fines, drug testing, a license suspension, 12 months on probation, and 10 days in jail to be served immediately. She then objected to that, saying that she had an 18 year old daughter at home and that she needed to get her ready for college and sign her up. So Judge Wilson said to report the following Friday to serve her 10 days.
Another interesting case was a couple that was divorced and were trying to split the money for the house. But they had 4 appraisals made and all were a different price, so they asked that they move the sentencing date to next month so that they could decide on a final price.
The most amusing case was where a woman wanted $350 from her ex-husband for damage to her Playstation, games, and for her time in court. Judge Wilson entered money Judgement for that amount against the husband and in her favor.
With that finished, Court was adjourned. It was extremely interesting to watch, and very sad at some points for certain people who were sent to jail. I am so glad that I had this opportunity.
