A DAY INSIDE THE COURTROOM

I am hesitant to write this court observation But I have to because it is part of my formation. I am writing this based on my personal experience Without any undue influence. Inside the court room, Theres so many things to consume. Let me continue this poem. I went to De Paul at 8:30 in the morning The guards at the gate greeted me Good morning! I went further and came across a guard on the desk May I check your bag? he asked. I asked where can I observe, He said Ill just go further. I finally reached a certain room, That should be the courtroom, I presumed. The judge was not yet there So I sat down at the long empty chair. While waiting, people started to come in. There were lawyers, clerk of courts, prisoners and wardens. Lawyers were talking to fellow lawyers Some lawyers were talking to their clients Family members were talking to each other. Others were preparing their case folder. You would really know who is a lawyer You can determine it by the clothes the person wears. Men were in their barong. And women were in their executive attire The prosecutor called the attention of a complainant They went outside together with the defense counsel. The prosecutor reprimanded the complainant For reasons that he instituted actions and papers Without the prosecutors consent. At 9:00am, the judge arrived Those who were outside the room went inside. Before the session, theres a prayer Its being prayed by everyone loud and clear.

The judge started to call the cases scheduled, The lawyers of each case politely acknowledged. Then another lawyer entered the room, Everyone looked at him and the hearing resumed. On the first case, the counsel for the defense stood up As well as the prosecutor. The defense submitted an evidence but the judge declined. It must be signed by another lawyer for it to be admitted, The counsel insisted that there is no need of it. It took them a long time to finally settle, And their case hearing was rescheduled. While the judge is calling for the next case, A cellphone rang. The judge called everyones attention, Then the sheriff went to the phone owner. Then theres this arraignment, The accused stood up in front that moment. The clerk of court read the charges against him In a language understood by him. When he was asked whatwas his plea? He pleaded not guilty. The judge then asked if there is a possibility of settlement The mother of the accused loudly answered no. The judge reprimanded the mother She also asked the counsel to discipline her. Then the court set the date for pre-trial And other dates for the following trials. While the previous case is being heard A particular lawyer sat beside her client, She asked him what had occurred On the day the alleged crime was committed. Then here comes another case. While discussing the various evidences presented, The defense counsel borrowed from the prosecutor The case folder to verify certain papers.

Another case was rescheduled , Because the counsel failed to prepare judicial affidavits. Why is it rescheduled? asked the accused. There is a new memorandum from the Supreme Court. , The counsel simply answered. Here comes the last case scheduled, Witnesses of the prosecution were presented The witnesses had undergone direct and cross examination. During the direct examination, The witness didnt have any difficulty in answering the questions. The prosecutor didnt have a hard time asking the witness. In the cross examination, The defense counsel is having a difficutly in asking. She had a set of questions already written, But it seems she cannot deliver well What she really mean. All the cases were called but some were heard Because in some cases, the accused Or the counsel didnt appear. Before leaving the courtroom, All lawyers were polite in asking permission Permission to leave your honor.said the lawyer Granted. The judge responded. That was my experience inside the courtroom Only a few hours but theres too many to consume.