The first court that I attend was district court, the judge was Fernando r.

macias I went to the court on October 13, around 10:30. When I first walked in there were a lot of people there I wasnt expecting that at all. Security was higher than at the magistrate court. There were attorneys there but they stand next to there defendants at all times since it was still assembly justice so the trials didnt go on for days if the most for about 30 minutes. The first case I had a chance was already on its way so I dont know how long it had been going on for. The defendant was wearing a dark blue jump suit. As well as he had some chains aournd his waist and hand handcuff. The defendants name was victor. The thing that I found different was that he was a juvinilla and the trial was still open to the public which was not normal ive been told that in all cases minor cases arent open to the public. This individual had 16 charges against him the parole officer didnt go into detail of the previous offenses or for that matter she didnt talk much about the current offense I had missed that part. The prosecutor brought his to testfy which I thought was something really crazy. The defendant must have been really bad since his mom testified against him not many parents would do that unless they think that they are worst of being left of the hook. I did hear something about domestic violence I just didnt know who it was against. Alor of the people there seem to be involved with this case, or that they knew the defendant. This wasnt a jury trial, the judge made the decision. The mother had stated that he had been left of the hook that she felt the court wasnt taking this serious. The judge then told the mother that they are taking this serious that he is just making judgments according to the crime. The defendants lawyer said that he deserve another chance since the...

On Monday I visited the District Court. This was my second attempt at visiting a court room; on my first trip I was told the judge did not have a docket for that day. A docket is defined as a calendar of cases awaiting action in a court. Jurisdiction is what gives the courts the power to hear and apply the law to certain types of cases. District Court has original jurisdiction for the following actions; all Traffic and Ordinance violations, all criminal misdemeanors, preliminary exams on felonies, small claims suits, civil lawsuits (amounts up to $25,000), and all contract disputes between tenants and landlords. When I arrived there were a lot of people waiting and I noticed signs posted on the court room doors that stated "Do not to enter until your name is called". Although I know court rooms are generally open to the public, I did not want to be intrusive so I waited patiently in the Traffic/Cashier line hoping someone would be able to assist me. Soon, someone escorted me into the court room. I looked around and tried to get familiar with the surrounding seeing as how this was my first time being in a court room. I quickly learned that the docket schedule to be heard were criminal and traffic cases. There were a few people waiting on the bench-seats, some by themselves and others with their attorneys and a few people sitting in the jury box with dark blue jail uniforms on. I took my seat, adjusted my eyes and ears, and began to feverishly take notes. The case to be heard by the judge was People V. Ms. X. Ms. X was a small girl with long blonde and pink hair, hardly someone you would expect to face a judge in a prisoner jumpsuit. She was on probation for a multitude of offenses including a possession of a controlled substance and domestic violence charges. She admitted to a long time struggle with substance abuse, particularly Vicodin. She was being seen by the judge due to a probation violation for obstructing the peace and striking... anxious