I headed into the courtroom of Judge Thomas Marcelain to observe my first courtroom trial. The trial involved a 31-year-old man named, Daniel Bohanna, of Pataskala. Mr. Bohanna decided to represent himself in his trial for fear of misrepresentation. He was charged with rape, kidnapping, and felonious assault. I have seen footage on T.V. from famous trials and of course seen reenactments from Hollywood, but I have never been to one in person until now. I can tell you this, T.V. and movies make courtroom trials seem a little more theatric than they actually are.
From my initial reaction, I noticed Mr. Bohanna’s poor choice of clothing. He decided to wear a black shirt and Jordan basketball shoes. I was always taught to wear appropriate clothing, …show more content…
Most people, just think someone gets arrested and goes to jail. Never do you think of the workers who have to fight to make sure these people face justice. The trial continued on for a few more days, and though I did not attend, I kept updated on the case. I found out that the defendant continued to show up wearing whatever he felt like, with no regards of his character or respect to the courts. Also, that his demeanor continued to be very poor. He was almost held in contempt of court for disobeying the judge to keep silent. In the end he was sentenced to 19 years in prison. It was also rare, that almost all jurors returned for the sentencing, which most do not attend because they are not made too. I thought about it after I had awhile to sit and think, and I wonder if others feel the way that I did when I was in the courtroom. Do most jurors judge someone’s guilt or innocence based on their appearance or temperament? Is that fair in the eyes of the law to convict someone based on those accusations? So many questions I had, and not enough answers. The more I think about it, I can only hope if I somehow am found in a position that I am judged for something I did wrong that I am not judged based on what I am wearing. Though, I would know to dress up, but should that
From my initial reaction, I noticed Mr. Bohanna’s poor choice of clothing. He decided to wear a black shirt and Jordan basketball shoes. I was always taught to wear appropriate clothing, …show more content…
Most people, just think someone gets arrested and goes to jail. Never do you think of the workers who have to fight to make sure these people face justice. The trial continued on for a few more days, and though I did not attend, I kept updated on the case. I found out that the defendant continued to show up wearing whatever he felt like, with no regards of his character or respect to the courts. Also, that his demeanor continued to be very poor. He was almost held in contempt of court for disobeying the judge to keep silent. In the end he was sentenced to 19 years in prison. It was also rare, that almost all jurors returned for the sentencing, which most do not attend because they are not made too. I thought about it after I had awhile to sit and think, and I wonder if others feel the way that I did when I was in the courtroom. Do most jurors judge someone’s guilt or innocence based on their appearance or temperament? Is that fair in the eyes of the law to convict someone based on those accusations? So many questions I had, and not enough answers. The more I think about it, I can only hope if I somehow am found in a position that I am judged for something I did wrong that I am not judged based on what I am wearing. Though, I would know to dress up, but should that