Constitutional Law

Amusing recollection

I just had a recollection-- you've got to understand that after each day of trial, the clerk prepares, and the judge edits, a "Minute Entry." It's not a transcript, just a series of notes about motions made and rulings given.

Some months ago, at the courthouse, a prosecutor told me "I never knew Judge ____ had a sense of humor, but now I know he does." I asked how he knew.

"I was trying a case in front of him and, during a recess, went to the men's room. As I was going in, I saw a fellow coming out, and noticed a $5 bill on the floor behind him. I pointed that out, he said thanks and picked it up ... and then I saw he had a juror's badge on. He was one of my jurors.
I went in and told the judge I'd had contact with a juror, and he and the defense attorney agreed there was no problem.
A fews later I get the minute entry. It read 'Mr. ____ admits to the Court that he proferred $5 to a juror in the men's room.'
So some day I may be up for an appointment to the bench, and get asked just what was going on."

Full post as published by Of Arms and the Law on February 05, 2010 (boomark / email).