Reflection On Mays Landing Court House

On the day of Friday October 21st, 2016, at the scene of Mays Landing Court House inside the Criminal Division court room, the Honorable Judge Damon G. Tyner, JSC presided. Throughout the day Judge Tyner observed both sentencing as well as motion cases. Before arriving to the court house I reflected on my expectations; I was expecting to see this large courtroom with ten to twelve rows and massive windows. I expected to hear no talking while the Judge spoke, I also expected most to be dressed professional. As for my expectations for the Judge, I thought he would be more short tempered and impatient. As far as my expectations being met in some cases they were in others they were not. It was not a massive courtroom, rather it the right …show more content…
As I walked in I saw the look on many faces, some regret others anger. When Judge Tyner first arrived, he began with what he referred to as his “miscellaneous list”. He began to call out names such as Michael Baker, John Wang etc. As the names were called and the recipients stood up Judge Tyner would say, “thank you see you next week”. As court progressed Judge Tyner list off more names to attorney Laffey, in which Judge Tyner ordered expungements. As time past the first case that began the day was State vs Shamika Ravenell, which was a sentencing. Judge Tyner advised Mrs. Ravenell of the charges against he which was possesion of drugs. Shamikas attorney did address that she did plead guilty in superior court and that she was honest in her interview. Judge Tyner did ask Mrs. Ravenell to raise her right hand in order to be sworn in. After being sworn in Judge Tyner did discuss with Shamika her appellant post conviction rights. As the hearing continued Judge Tyner asked Mrs. Ravenell if she wanted to add any comments due to her right of allocution, her response was “no”. Judge Tyner did take into account that Mrs. Ravenell did have one prior misdemeanor which was classified as a DUI in 2015. With all aspects taken into account Judge Tyner gave Mrs. Ravenell a one-year probation well as $1,000 plus in …show more content…
However, when I was sitting in the back row of the courtroom it seemed to show me the truth. Everyone feels as if they are immune to the law, but siting in the courtroom gave me a great appreciation of where I come from and the values I have been taught. The case of Travis Bentley truly did resonate with me, mainly due to the fact that he was the same age as me. What I took away from that case as well as the rest were that people do make mistake, and while most are not regretful some are and deserve a second