Yes, I actually cheered when the judge sentenced O.J. Simpson for last year's armed robbery and related crimes in Las Vegas. I especially liked the part where the judge said that (I'm paraphrasing) at first, she couldn't decide if he was simply arrogant or ignorant but now she knows the answer. He's both.
The judge made it clear that both the jury that convicted him in this felony trial and her decisions in regard to sentencing had nothing to do with carry-over feelings from his murder acquittal 13 years ago. Maybe that is true. For the sake of our judicial system, I hope it is. All people deserve a fair trial.
When it comes to O.J., I've lost all reason and sense of fairness. I think he is a thug and a murderer. He has lived a life that includes sports hero worship, phenomenal financial riches, beautiful women and children. Yet, he is a destroyer --he destroyed families, including his own.
Shackled and smug at the same time, he asked the court for mercy. In some ways, he received it. He will serve a minimum of 9 years before chance of parole. He could serve up to 30-plus years.
I'm betting Nicole Brown Simpson and Ron Goldman begged for mercy too.
Showing posts with label judges. Show all posts
Showing posts with label judges. Show all posts
Friday, December 5, 2008
Sunday, September 14, 2008
His Honor
I'm a peon swimming in a sea of impressive people. I realize there are many traits that make people impressive but for now, I'm talking professional achievement.
On Friday, the husband and I joined many friends to watch The Honorable William T. Lawrence sworn in as a United States District Judge. I watched him sworn in as a state judge in 2002 but this is federal and it's a huge accomplishment. It involves:
I suspect it also includes:
Every dignitary I could bring to mind was there: the governor, the sheriff, the head of the Indiana Supreme Court and many others. Our esteemed senior senator, Richard Lugar, spoke on his behalf.
If you've ever been in a courtroom, most of them are quite bland. It's nothing like you see on "Law and Order." Our federal courthouse is quite majestic and would make a great movie set. Picture "A Few Good Men." Now bump it up a notch. It's that beautiful and a little overwhelming.
It was a great balance of toasts to his accomplishments and laughs about his height. No one lets his head get too big, not that there was ever any fear of that. When his wife participated in the swearing in and then put the robe on for the first time, I cried. I heard a few sniffles behind me.
My friend Billy is now a United States District Judge. When we meet at the club or a group dinner, I always say, "Hello, Your Honor."
To know him is my honor.
On Friday, the husband and I joined many friends to watch The Honorable William T. Lawrence sworn in as a United States District Judge. I watched him sworn in as a state judge in 2002 but this is federal and it's a huge accomplishment. It involves:
Being nominated by the President.
Going before the Senate for confirmation.
Having a background check that sounds intrusive and invasive.
I suspect it also includes:
Sleepless nights where you evaluate every decision you've ever made and every dumb thing you've ever done.
Every dignitary I could bring to mind was there: the governor, the sheriff, the head of the Indiana Supreme Court and many others. Our esteemed senior senator, Richard Lugar, spoke on his behalf.
If you've ever been in a courtroom, most of them are quite bland. It's nothing like you see on "Law and Order." Our federal courthouse is quite majestic and would make a great movie set. Picture "A Few Good Men." Now bump it up a notch. It's that beautiful and a little overwhelming.
It was a great balance of toasts to his accomplishments and laughs about his height. No one lets his head get too big, not that there was ever any fear of that. When his wife participated in the swearing in and then put the robe on for the first time, I cried. I heard a few sniffles behind me.
My friend Billy is now a United States District Judge. When we meet at the club or a group dinner, I always say, "Hello, Your Honor."
To know him is my honor.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Jury Duty
There's so much going on in the world that I don't understand. I stay in my little coccon. Then, I get summoned for jury duty.
I am one of those odd people that ejoys it. It is my civic duty. People complain about waiting around. I think, "Yes! No cell phones allowed and I can read my book." I am called every year.
Sometimes I am dismissed immediately. The daughter is an attorney and she used to work for the prosecutor's office. The defense gives me the evil eye and says, "bye bye!" One of the questions they always ask is if you know any attorneys or judges. Due to Big Daddy's connections, I know quite a few.
Yet, occasionally, I make it to the jury. This is so fascinating to me. I love the process and I truly (maybe stupidly) feel like I am serving the common good. Plus, it's just good information. Once, I was jury foreman. You know how I like to be in charge.
Do you know what crack cocaine looks like? I do. They passed it around the jury box as evidence. Do you know the going rate for sexual acts on the street? I do. The accused spelled it out for us during the trial.
Then, I slither back into my safe little world ... no crack cocaine, no meth labs, no money paid for sexual favors. After jury duty, a house filled with clutter and oldies who are cranky seems like heaven on earth.
I am one of those odd people that ejoys it. It is my civic duty. People complain about waiting around. I think, "Yes! No cell phones allowed and I can read my book." I am called every year.
Sometimes I am dismissed immediately. The daughter is an attorney and she used to work for the prosecutor's office. The defense gives me the evil eye and says, "bye bye!" One of the questions they always ask is if you know any attorneys or judges. Due to Big Daddy's connections, I know quite a few.
Yet, occasionally, I make it to the jury. This is so fascinating to me. I love the process and I truly (maybe stupidly) feel like I am serving the common good. Plus, it's just good information. Once, I was jury foreman. You know how I like to be in charge.
Do you know what crack cocaine looks like? I do. They passed it around the jury box as evidence. Do you know the going rate for sexual acts on the street? I do. The accused spelled it out for us during the trial.
Then, I slither back into my safe little world ... no crack cocaine, no meth labs, no money paid for sexual favors. After jury duty, a house filled with clutter and oldies who are cranky seems like heaven on earth.
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