Job Shadow

On Monday I had the opportunity to take a break from my CASA duties for the afternoon and job shadow a local court appointed attorney. Janmarie Dielschneider was kind enough to let me follow her around all afternoon and sit in on court. I found it all very fascinating. Up to this point my courtroom time with CASA has only involved family law and not criminal law. On Monday afternoon the docket was filled with, what even Janmarie admitted was a full docket for a Monday, arraignments of individuals who were in custody. These individuals appeared on video as the judge read what they were accused of and set their bail or scheduled them for release. The crimes ranged from small misdemeanors to major felonies. There were cases of criminal mischief and theft all the way up to murder. Even though the procedure for each individual was practically the same, only differing in whether they were to be released or bail posted and trial date set, I was surprised by how interesting it was. There was a full range of reactions from those in custody, ranging from contrite acceptance to absolutely rude indifference resulting in another year in jail for contempt of court! It was even a little tense at times. I really enjoyed it. Janmarie was really helpful and informative about what was going on and gave me her own reactions and thoughts as well. The afternoon made me give more thought, consideration, and interest to criminal law, which I hadn't really thought I possessed prior to Monday!