Sherhunda Gentry

This court watch session wasn't as interesting as the 1st time I attended. This 2nd session was more of the district attorney's conversation with the criminals and coming up with plea bargains for the criminals to have a "better deal" even when it's the same. The DA's were very disrespectful and made jokes and smart comments by practically bullying the criminals and bragging about their wealthy lifestyle. The Judges are very strict and expect every criminal on trial to have an attorney ready to go by one week when that is impossible for most black people to do, however since it's not a problem for most whites with wealth, they expect everyone to be this way and have this same access ready to go when we don't, an as a result the judges and prosecutors are very harsh towards the defendants because of what they don't have.

I was very intrigued and engaged within the multiple court cases I witnessed on behalf of today. I learned many things upon today and how the court system operates behind closed doors. I got a chance to see the District Attorneys in action as well as the Public Defendants and how they "utter up" their clients with bargain pleas to manipulate the client to believe they are taking a better deal when its no better than the first deal . The officers on duty were very strict but I'm aware that is how they are supposed to operate. It's amazing to see Judges make over $200,000 a year and only work 3 hours out of the day and have to do the least amount of work, and therefore take their jobs as a pass of time more than an obligation for justice.

I enjoyed the orientation with Just City today. I look forward to reviewing court cases and understanding the pros and cons of the court system and how we as a community can change it.