Class 14-17 Week #8

Week #8: The Court Process

Class met this week at the Barnstable County Court House and met Presiding Judge Kathryn Hand. Judge Hand described her role in the court process, stressing that the court is “neutral” in the cases that come before it.

She walked the class through the arraignment process, including the determination of bail, imposition of conditions on bail, and the appointment of counsel if necessary. She explained that the purpose of bail is to ensure that a person will appear in court.  When asked what was the hardest part of her job and what was the best part, Judge Hand responded that the hardest part was not being able to help everybody who comes before her. The best part, she said, was meeting people outside court who tell her that she was fair and correct in her disposition of their cases.

Unfortunately, the ADAs and the Defense Attorney originally scheduled to talk to the class were unable to attend.

Sgt. Chris McDermott, who is the court liaison for the Sandwich PD, described his role; he stressed the excellent rapport between court staff and the PD, saying that it was a direct result of everybody having worked successfully together.
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Sgt. Lawrence treated the class to a tour of the holding cell area on the lower level of the court house. These cells, which are furnished with a wooden bench and toilet, were truly medieval. They frequently house multiple defendants in the same cell while the occupants await their court appearances. Not a place where you would want to spend any amount of time.
                                                                Donna Leiss, Contributing Editor
                                                        

Next Tuesday, May 9th, is the tour of the Barnstable County Jail.
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Next class is Thursday, May 11th; Drug Enforcement.

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Photos courtesy of Pauline Fortin