This week I had a chance to visit the Loudoun County Court House. A courthouse is a place where go to solve problems in front of a judge.
As I walked into the court room I saw two desks where the attorneys could sit and argue their cases. The judges seat was large and positioned as the highest place in the court room. The court room was full of mostly attorneys. I noticed there were more men then women.
The judge is sitting up high so he/she can see everything that is happening in the courtroom and because the Judge is in charge of the courtroom. The Judge is like the King of the room. To the right of the judge sits the court reporter who writes down everything that is said by all parties, witnesses, and attorneys for a record of the case.
I had a chance to speak with the Bail in the court room we were in. Well, you are wondering who is a bail and what does he do? A bail is a police officer who also acts like a teacher in the courtroom making sure everyone is behaving, following court rules and keeps everyone safe, especially the Judge.
When I was interviewing an attorney the Bailiff asked if I wanted a sticker. He then handed me a sticker that looks like police badge.
The attorney I interviewed had been practicing law for maybe 30-40 years. He was dressed nicely with a bow tie and he spoke very politely and clearly. He told me he defended criminals because they deserved a chance to tell their side of the story. Many times people get accused of doing something which they did not do. If attorneys didn't help defend them they would go to jail, even though they could be innocent. But other times criminals can walk free if there is not enough evidence to prove their crime. Evidence is proof of what happened. For example, but not limited to witnesses, written documents, text messages, photos, videos, finger prints, DNA analysis etc.
Going to a courthouse could be fun or scary, but you should know there is always a win as long as you are on the right path. If you go to court stay calm, look professional and be 100% honest.
Thanks for sending this. Sounds like you learned a lot about the US judicial system. I was in the courthouse here a week ago to finalize my new granddaughter Louise’s adoption. The judge let Olive and her cousins bang the gavel to make it all official.