Each side has a time limit to explain their side, with questions from the Judges. When I was in law school I participated in a couple of mock appeals cases. In one the judge asked me something like, "So you want us to rule that the sky if green?" And my answer was, "well, yea!" After the round, the judges offered feedback to the students. He laughed and said, "great answer, but next time make it, Yes Your Honor, I believe the Court should Rule that way because the sun is yellow, and the sky is blue, and yellow and blue make green." I was embarrassed, the room chuckled, but the lesson was learned, and it stuck. I finished second in that competition out of almost 100 students.
Have you ever seen an appeals court hearing cases?
No, but I would like to see a court case and there is no reason why I can't. Unfortunately I don't think we have limited time and it is up the judge to stop barristers from waffling on and on.
ReplyDeleteIn the US system, the time limits are mostly in appeals cases.
Deletenope; funny story though.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed trial work, but the other attorneys were frequently rude and inconsiderate.
DeleteNo, it doesn't appeal to me. The one time I was in court was 15 years ago at my ex-brother-in-law's sentencing for killing my sister. We all had our say and it was nerve wracking! They asked me to spell my name and I blanked out. How can you forget how to spell Donna? Well, I did. The judge was a real sweetie.
ReplyDeleteI use to represent families in adult guardianship cases, and a lot of people were nervous about being in court for the first time. I have spent a lot of time calming and reassuring people. A kind judge makes a real difference. I make a lousy witness, I get rude when I am asked the same question 2 or 3 times.
DeleteI have not although I sense I would not understand it.
ReplyDeleteI remember attending depositions when I was a law clerk. They were appalling.