Hawthorne online predator trial jury still out and how a reporter got thrown out of court
There are few things in life that annoy more than someone whose whole task is to uphold the law ... yet they don't know what the law is.
Case in point: On Friday, I entered Judge Katherine Mader's courtroom at the Airport Courthouse during jury instructions. Closing arguments in Thomas Snodgrass' trial were to follow, so I was sitting quietly, virtually alone in the gallery, listening to the instructions. The bailiff approached me and asked if I was there for a specific case. This isn't unusual - bailiffs are generally helpful and want to make sure people are in the right place or see if they have a case on calendar. I told her I was here for this case, and that I'm a reporter for the Daily Breeze.
This is where things got ugly.
She paused, then leaned in close to ask: "Are you allowed to be here?"
"Um, yeah," I said, a bit perplexed. "I don't have a camera or any recording device, it's just me and my pad and pen."
"Let me check with my clerk," she said, and walked away. I saw her speak briefly with the clerk, then she returned to tell me she needed to call the Site (supervising) Judge to check that it's OK that I'm there and would I please wait outside.
Normally, when someone tries to unjustly boot a reporter from a courtroom, we're supposed to protest and state our rights, reminding the booter about that little document called the U.S. Constitution that guarantees public access to courtrooms - for reporters and everybody. But, because I'm not one to make a scene and the judge was still reading instructions, I complied ... admittedly, though, huffily.
I don't remember the exact words that followed in the vestibule outside the courtroom. I believe I used sarcasm (me? never!) to ask if she was for real in not understanding the law. She didn't seem to think this was a big deal, stating I was only missing the instructions and she was charged with keeping the courtroom safe. I felt she was only missing THE POINT.
I complied and waited for her to return and tell me that, yes indeedy, I could be there. I tried to hand her my handy-dandy Society of Professional Journalists Pocket Guide to Access to Courts, but she said she didn't need it.
"I think you do," I said.
She looked at me as if she couldn't believe I was actually angry by her actions. Angry that a sworn sheriff's deputy who, by her own admission, has worked as a bailiff for three years in the same courtroom didn't understand the law.
"Ma'am, you are offending me," she said.
"Well, I'm offended that you don't know the law!" I replied.
Luckily, cooler heads soon prevailed and I did my best at apologizing for offending her, knowing I needed to get back in the courtroom. She asked for my supervisor's name, which I gave her, along with his phone number.
She never called.
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About the Blogger
Larry Altman has covered crime in the South Bay since 1990. He's seen it all - the missing model who turned up dead in the desert, the wives found dead in trunks, the high-school coaches who get a little too close to their players. He drives his young colleagues nuts with his "I remember when" stories. He welcomes your tips and observations about the present, and you can mix in a little Lakers basketball talk if you like.
E-mail Larry at larry.altman@dailybreeze.com.
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How dare you cite freedom during these trying times! Don't you know there is a war on terrorism which requires us to obey the badge without question? I'd expect more from an upstanding citizen as yourself.
Sarcasm off, this bailiff needs to be removed from her position, taken in the courthouse parking lot, and horsewhipped with a leather bound copy of the U.S. Constitution until she pees her cheap polyester uniform pants, and promises never to usurp our beloved Denise's rights ever again.
Cheap polyester pants, I don't thing so. They are wool and probably cost more than you could cover with your welfare check.
Oooooh I hit a nerve. Just remember who you're working for and the oath you swore to uphold the law. The constitution is bigger than your cop-ego.
Having said that, Ive personally come in contact with several deputies there who were some of the nicest, most helpful law enforcement folks I've met.