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Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Buttons in Court


"The Supreme Court ruled on Monday that the federal appeals court in California overstepped its authority when it granted a new trial to a murder defendant whose victim’s relatives sat at the trial, in the view of the jury, wearing buttons with the victim’s picture on them. "

What is the original purpose of having a gallery in court? Is it important for the public to sit and watch court precedings? Should we allow courtroom spectators to wear what they want in the courtroom? Can the court deny entry into the gallery based on the words or photographs on our clothing?

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Mr. Brown, here is my response; It's bad for someone to shoot anybody. Even though the people were wearing pictures, it was okay that they did that.
I think that Mr. Musladin should be punished for killing Mr. Studer and he was found guilty. He doesn't deserve a new trial just because the family wore the buttons.

Anonymous said...

There is a trial a man is on trial for shooting someone. He says he did it but in self defense the person who shot the victim says it wasn’t fair because the people in the courtroom were wearing buttons with his picture on it. If the guy did it he should go to jail he does not deserve to go free, or get another trial.

Anonymous said...

The man should be punished regardless of people wearing his buttons on pictures or not. The evidence should be looked at not the sympathy of the court. If it was self defense it should be proven. I feel that galleries of pictures are a way to show sympathy for the person on trial. They should just look at the facts
Michelle A

Anonymous said...

What the hell do buttons have to do with that man's sentence? No matter what, the victim's family could have an effect on the jury! They're upset, and they might be witnesses. Buttons don't make a difference.

I do think that it is very important that a gallery sits in court. People should be concerned with our legal system, and with people watching, its easier to out unfair judges. Spectators should be subjected to a slight dress code, but taking away buttons or other items that are nonviolent should be left alone. The family isn't injuring anyone, and to some extent, they are using those to voice protest. But in any case, someone has comitted a crime and should be aptly punished. I doubt if you're being charged with first degree murder that someone's buttons are going to affect a life sentence.

Anonymous said...

I feel that as long what the gallery is wearing does not affect the outcome of the case, then what difference does it makes if people want to wear buttons or anything else for that matter. I feel that the gallery is a huge significance in our legal system because it has people who witness to the proceedings of the cases and are aware of the outcomes without being affected.