A THINK PIECE INSIDE THE COURTROOM

The process of litigation is indeed a highly complex system to

settle disputes. The length is unparalleled and tedious. It requires for
one who seeks to protect his rights to be patient and the one who
seeks fairness and justice to be optimistic. Every stage calls for a
procedure that must be observed in order to expedite and dispose of
the case but in reality this is not the usual set up. A lot of things were
brought to my attention when I was observing the process of trial
although in part boredom did strike me. What really happens in the
courtroom is not what I had envisioned before. I blame the films and
the shows on the television which did a poor job of portraying the
real situation in the courtroom. There was actually a lack of drama
except for the one which I will narrate in detail in the later part and
the parties perform casually as if it was just an ordinary day unlike in
the films or TV shows I saw where the actors tend to overreact
during the scene.

In this think piece, I will narrate in detail my observations from

inside the courtroom and personal opinion about everything that
satisfied my curiosity and broke my preconceived notion concerning
the trial process.

It was early in the morning that I had to wake up early to go to

the Regional Trial Court for the purpose of conducting court
observations required of us to complete in our Practicum subject. We
were required to observe one arraignment, one pre-trial, three direct
examinations and three cross examinations. Luckily for us, in the
branch where we opted to observe, the line up of cases that were
scheduled are those we need for our court observations. We had to
ask permission first from the clerk of court of the branch for courtesy
and so that she would be able to assure if we really are observing
before he signs our certificate of appearance.
 As we entered the courtroom, there were already a lot of
people sitting on the benches which I assumed were the people that
are related to the parties in the case. I could tell the persons who are
the lawyers because of the suits they are wearing and also because I
knew beforehand that they are one. Some law enforcers were also
around and they brought with them persons wearing orange shirts
whom I knew were the accused summoned by the court for trial. The
judge was not yet around due to reasons I have no knowledge of but
while waiting for him to come I notice some things inside the
courtroom. There was a cabinet with documents which appears to be
ancient covered in dust and cobwebs piled up and untouched. There
were equipments lying in the corners which I have no idea if they are
still being used. The benches where people sit to observe seem fine
and The Judge’s bench as well. Then I saw the chair where the
witnesses usually sit to give their testimony and it looked intimidating
to me probably because I was imagining how the witnesses feel
when they are sitting in that chair.

I also noticed that there were rules pertaining to courtesy and

conduct inside the court posted on the walls. I read the last line
enumerated in the rules which says “Cell phones should be turned off
or set in silent mode while the hearing is ongoing and failure to
observe this rule shall be a ground for contempt in court with a
penalty of a fine or detention. I immediately went to get my cell
phone and check if it was in silent mode but I turned it off to make
sure it won’t make a sound. I was worried about that rule because I
knew the judge in that particular branch is very strict about that rule
and I witnessed before how he got angry when a phone sounded
while the hearing was being conducted. Actually the person in charge
of the room always reminds us to turn off or put in silent mode our
phones before entering the courtroom.

When the judge finally entered the court, every person stopped
talking and stood as a way of courtesy. Every personnel did what
their roles dictate them. The court stenographer was tasked to put in
record everything that has been conversed and I can’t imagine how
hard her job is. She had to listen attentively and catch every words
being thrown while writing on record with a technique that only she
can understand because all I see are lines and dots. It was
exhausting to watch and I don’t think I can do the job as well as her
if given that particular task. Then I saw the court interpreter, all she
had to do is read the lineup of cases to be heard for that day and act
as a translator to the witness when being asked a question. It doesn’t
seem easy as it looks. You have to be fluent with both the languages
and you have to be quick in translating without losing the sense of
the question or the narration.

When the witnesses were called to testify, I had a preconceived

notion that it would turn into a Hollywood type of drama or at least
the teleserye experience but it was actually far from that. There was
lack of suspense or action, it was purely talking and questioning.
However, there was one witness who got carried away by her
emotions while she was giving her testimony in the witness stand.
She wept loudly and it was real. Although it was still not dramatic as
such but we felt bad for the lady for some reason. The judge had to
stop the hearing and discharged the witness and continued with next
one.

It was indeed an exciting and experience for us being inside the

courtroom and we were able to have a glimpse on what actually
takes place during trial. I think we became more aware that what we
observed inside the courtroom is different from what we learned
inside the classroom and it might serve as an encouragement for us
law students that the path we took in our careers is still in the right
direction for our dreams.

ALEXIS JOHN R. SANTOS

3RD YEAR BLOCK B