JUDGE JAMES ZAGEL BLAGO TRIAL

Former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich will go on trial, for the second time, April 20, 2011.  That's four months later than was originally planned.
Blago's attorneys, Sheldon Sorosky and Aaron Goldstein, had asked for a delay because they said they needed more time to prepare.  The original defense team went from five senior lawyers, two junior lawyers, a bunch of paralegals and legal assistants for the first trial...to just two lawyers and maybe a paralegal, for the re-trial.  The flamboyant Sam Adam and Sam Adam junior are out.  The legal team was reduced because Blago is broke, which means taxpayers will have to come up with the cash for his defense.  Judge James Zagel is limiting that cost by only allowing the two attorneys.
It may seem to the public like the same trial all over again for Blago, accused of trying to sell Barack Obama's former senate seat, but even judge Zagel agreed that "its a different universe" this time, because lawyers learned some new tricks from the first time around and may choose to call different witnesses.
The first trial garnered national attention, as Blago, who made his way around reality shows and talk shows, was found guilty on only one of 24 counts related to trying to sell an Illinois senate seat.  That one count was for lying to the feds about it.

E.M Dirksen Federal Courtrooms in Chicago

Justice Elena Kagan Made It!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Here is Justice Elena Kagan and Chief Justice John Roberts at a ceremony in the Supreme Court to celebrate Justice Kagan nomination to the bench. Justice Kagan begin her term today.

THE SHERIFF DID WRONG

 

COLUMBIA — U.S. Magistrate Judge Joseph R. McCrorey has set a $200,000 bond for former Lee County sheriff Edgar Jerome “E.J.” Melvin, who will be on house arrest with an electronic monitoring device upon his release, after finding probable cause Wednesday afternoon for the charges against him.
Melvin, who had served as sheriff since 2001, and eight others were arrested Saturday and charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute five kilograms or more of powder cocaine and 50 grams or more of crack cocaine since 2006.

JUDGE CONSTANCE BAKER MOTLEY

THE  FIRST AFRICAN AMERICAN WOMAN  TO SERVE ON THE FEDERAL BENCH

OUR SUPREME COURT

EX-GOVERNOR IS ONLY CHARGED WITH ONE COUNT OUT OF 24 COUNTS OF FRAUD.,

Our Ex Governor  is only charged with 1 count of lying out of 24 count of wire fraud and bribery. The government is now appealing to the Federal Court Of Appeals to have a new trial over for our ex governor

Justice Elena Kagan

Elena Kagan made it to one of our highest court with the help the of the president and the help of the senate. Elena Kagan is now one of our Associate Justice on the US Supreme Court. She will begin of the first Monday of October.

U.S District Federal Judge Susan Bolton

PHOENIX - U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton will be deciding the fate of Arizona's immigration law. Many that know her and have tried cases before her say she is tough but impartial.
Judge Bolton how has six lawsuits against the state to decide -- that includes the federal government's challenge.
This is what we found out about her. Bolton was a Superior Court judge in Maricopa County for 11 years, between 1989 and 2000. She is well regarded among both Democrats and Republicans.
In 2000, she was recommended by Arizona Senator Jon Kyl, a Republican, for the federal bench. And she was nominated by then-President Clinton.
Some who have reported on Judge Bolton's cases expect her to be fair and thorough.
"She's thought of as very thoughtful, she also seems to be willing to work under a tight schedule, which given the July 29th date for this law to take effect is going to be critical," says Howard Fischer with Capitol Media Services.
But Judge Bolton is before the law and is set to take in effect. She is scheduled to hear the first of six lawsuits against the law on July 15. Judge Susan Bolton block controversial parts of Arizona immigration law. Great Seal of the State of Arizona Image via Wikipedia. Today’s ruling by Judge Bolton prevents police officers check the immigration status of a person, while other laws imposed. It has the features, the immigrants in their documentation practice that require to identify themselves blocked. Hearing the arguments of lawyers from the Department of Justice, ACLU and the defendants, the State of Arizona: “Today, a stay led to enact before any further hearings, decide on the total bill will be.

Rod Blagojevich Federal Charges "will he walk"

COUNTS: Racketeering (Count 1); conspiracy to commit racketeering (Count 2), wire fraud (Counts 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13); attempted extortion (Counts 14, 15, 19, and 22); conspiracy to commit extortion (Counts 17 and 21); bribery (Counts 16 and 20); conspiracy to commit bribery (Counts 18 and 23); and making false statements to the government (Count 24) he also charge with trying to give away the president Barack Obama seat to another senate without consent.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A TRIAL

Judge's directions A fair trial depends on the combined efforts of jurors as the deciders of the facts and the judge as the final authority on the law. The jury must apply the law (as stated by the judge) to the facts as it finds them to be . If the judge gives you any instruction that seems to conflict with anything contained here, you must accept what the judge tells you as being correct and be guided only by the judge. Opening statements At the start of a criminal trial the Crown prosecutor will make an opening statement telling the jury what the alleged offence is and what the evidence is expected to show. The accused person's lawyer may also make an opening statement. These statements are not part of the evidence. Their purpose is to give you the framework of the case, the points of conflict and the issues to be decided. Prosecution case After the opening statements, the presentation of evidence to the jury begins. When a witness is called to the witness box by the prosecution and sworn to tell the truth, he or she is questioned or 'examined' by the Crown prosecutor. Then he or she may be questioned or 'cross-examined' by the defence barrister. The aim of cross-examination is to test the accuracy of the evidence or emphasise certain parts of it. Sometimes the prosecutor 're-examines' the witnesses to clarify something that has come up in cross-examination. This process of questioning witnesses may be lengthy, but it is important to listen attentively to all of its evidence and to examine any documents, photographs etc which are put before the jury. Defense case When the prosecution has finished, the defence can call witnesses or present other evidence if they choose to. In a criminal trial the accused is presumed innocent and it is up to the prosecution to prove guilt. The same process of examination, cross-examination and re-examination will occur with any witnesses called by the defence. Evidence The evidence consists of: oral evidence given by witnesses, and physical objects such as photographs, documents, firearms, exhibits etc. The jury's verdict must be based solely on the evidence presented during the trial. Because evidence is so important, there are strict rules about what evidence can be given in court and the sorts of questions that can be asked. The lawyers on either side may object to the questions asked of witnesses or to other evidence. The judge then makes a ruling on whether the evidence is admissible, based on the law. Sometimes jurors are asked to leave the court while these legal points are discussed by the judge and lawyers. This may seem time-consuming, but it is important that the rights of all parties are protected and that questions of law are properly decided by the judge as they arise. The jury should not feel resentful at being excluded. The judge will ensure that the jury is properly informed of everything it needs to know about the law or facts in order to reach a verdict. Final addresses After all the evidence has been given, both sides will have the opportunity to present their final submissions to the jury. As with the opening statements, this is not part of the evidence. You should listen to these submissions and consider them thoughtfully, but you must form your own opinion of the facts. Judge's charge to the jury After the final address from each side, the judge summarises the case and gives instructions to the jury. It is vitally important that each juror listens to all of these instructions and understands them because the judge will define the issue to be decided in the case and set out the relevant law. Civil trials The order of events in a civil trial is similar to that in a criminal trial. The plaintiff's representative goes first and starts by explaining what the case is about and how it will be presented. Witnesses for the plaintiff are questioned and cross-examined. Then the defendant's witnesses are questioned and cross-examined. At the end of the evidence, each side gives a summary of their case to the jury, and the judge will give the jury instructions. Jury retires to consider verdict After all the evidence has been given and summed up in court, the judge will ask the jury to retire to the jury room to consider their verdict. During this time you must not talk to anyone about the case except other jury members. All discussion must take place in the privacy of the jury room and when all jurors are present. Hours Once a jury retires to consider their verdict, jurors will have to stay together at lunchtime – lunch will be provided. Towards the end of the trial the judge will give you more details about arrangements during the jury deliberation period. In most cases the judge will permit the jurors to go home each night. If allowed to go home, each juror will be required to swear (or affirm) that he or she will not discuss with any non-juror anything relating to the evidence in the trial or to the deliberations of the jury. If the jury wants to finish its deliberations early on any day the judge will deal with such a request. Sometimes you may be required to stay later than 4.15 pm or even stay overnight until a decision is reached. You will normally be told the day before if you are required to stay overnight so that you can bring an overnight bag the next day. Otherwise the Juries Commissioner will make arrangements for you. You will be provided with meals and accommodation. Messages can be passed on to family and friends. If the verdict is given late at night, the court will arrange transport home if necessary. Jury decision-making Provided you always follow the judge’s instructions about the law, you are free to deliberate in any way you wish. The discussion in the jury room is chaired by the foreman/forewoman. He or she should ensure that discussions are carried out in a free, unhurried and orderly way, focusing on the issues to be decided and letting each juror have a chance to participate in discussion. During the deliberations jurors should keep an open mind, listen carefully to everyone and be prepared to tell others on the jury what they think and why. Be prepared to change your mind when there is good reason for doing so. At the same time try not to be overly influenced by other people’s ideas and recollections. Even if someone has taken notes, this does not necessarily mean that his or her notes are more accurate than what you remember of the evidence. If the jury requires assistance as to what any evidence was, the judge can provide such assistance. Do not hesitate to ask. When the jury is arriving at a verdict, every juror’s opinion counts. It is important to respect the opinions of other jurors and value the different viewpoints that each juror brings to the case. This will help the jury to reach a fair verdict. Let your fellow jurors have a chance to say what they think and why. Do not intimidate anyone else. Equally, do not be afraid to speak up and express your views. How long it will take to reach a verdict The jury must reach a unanimous verdict unless the judge tells them otherwise. Do not rush your decision. The court will give you as much time as you need. The people involved in the case deserve your complete attention and your thoughtful deliberations. It is important to consider all the evidence carefully. All jurors should feel comfortable with the verdict. No juror should feel pressured to change their mind, just because everyone else has reached a different conclusion or because it is taking a long time to decide. Remember, your decision will have a significant effect on the lives of other people.

WHAT HAPPENS AT A ARRAIGNMENT

3. This proceeding is called an arraignment. The principal purpose of arraignment is for you to enter a plea to the charges. Before taking your plea, I will advise you of your rights and options. I will advise you of the offense(s) you are charged with and will give you a copy of the criminal complaint or citation if you do not already have one. At that point, you will enter a plea to the charges.

4. You have the right to:

* Plead not guilty;
* A trial on the charge(s);
* Be released on bail, if you are still in custody;
* The assistance of an attorney at all stages of the case. If you cannot afford to hire an attorney, the court may appoint an attorney to represent you if you qualify for such representation.
* See and hear the witnesses at trial and to cross-examine them or ask them questions;
* To present evidence in your own behalf;
* To have the court issue subpoenas for you directing your witnesses to be in court for trial and to testify;
* To remain silent and not be forced to incriminate yourself. That means that you are never required to testify. And,
* To be presumed innocent until the prosecution proves your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. You are not required to prove anything. The prosecution must prove the charge(s) and must do so beyond a reasonable doubt if the case goes to trial.

5. Do you understand these rights? Do you have any questions about these rights? [If the court is uncertain that the defendant understands any of these rights, the court may ask the defendant to explain what had just been stated: e.g. “Could you please explain to me how you understand what I have just told you? I want to be certain that you are clear about what I have said.”]

6. [If the defendant does not have counsel, you must determine whether the defendant is entitled to court-appointed counsel. ]

Do you understand that you have the right to have an attorney represent you and that if you cannot afford an attorney, one may be appointed for you if you qualify for such representation?

[If no, rephrase the question.]

[If yes, ask]: Can you afford to hire an attorney or consult with an attorney for advice?

[If yes, determine whether the defendant wants an attorney]: Do you want to hire or consult with an attorney?

[If yes, reset the arraignment for a week later to allow the defendant a reasonable opportunity to hire an attorney or consult an attorney for advice.]

[If no, determine whether the defendant is making a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver of counsel by asking the following questions]:

* Do you understand that if you are convicted you may be sentenced to jail?
* Do you understand the consequences of waiving counsel?
* Is your decision to waive counsel made voluntarily, without threats or coercion?
* Do you wish to waive your right to an attorney and represent yourself?

[If yes to all questions, have the defendant sign a Waiver of Counsel form, Criminal Form 9-401A, and continue with the arraignment.]

[If no, ask]: Do you wish to request a court-appointed attorney?

[If yes, you must make an indigency determination and appoint counsel if indigent.]

[If no, you must determine whether the defendant is making a knowing, intelligent, and voluntary waiver of counsel by asking the following questions]:

* Do you understand that if you are convicted you may be sentenced to jail?
* Do you understand the consequences of waiving counsel?
* Is your decision to waive counsel made voluntarily, without threats or coercion?
* Do you wish to waive your right to an attorney and represent yourself?

[If yes to all questions, have the defendant sign a Waiver of Counsel form, Criminal Form 9-401A, and continue with the arraignment.]

7. Have you received a copy of the criminal complaint or citation? [If no, provide the defendant a copy.]

8. You are charged with .
[Read the ordinance(s) aloud.]

9. Do you understand the charge(s)?

10. [NOTE: If the charge is DWI or Aggravated DWI, you must inform the defendant of the maximum and mandatory minimum penalties for a first, second, and third offense

GUN RIGHT LAW NOW IN ILLNOIS !!!

Alderman Rey Colon, whose brother was fatally shot in 1979, said the justices on the nation's top court didn't understand the reality of the inner city. "I understand the right to bear arms, but I also understand parents crying in their sleep," he said.

On Monday the high court overturned 19th century rulings that said the 2nd Amendment restricted only federal gun laws, not local or state measures. In a 5-4 decision, the justices said the right to have a handgun for self-defense is "fundamental from an American perspective [and] applies equally to the federal government and the states."

It will be 10 days before the new ordinance becomes city law. Then anyone who wants to get a handgun must obtain a Chicago firearm permit.

People who have committed violent crimes, or have two or more convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, will not be allowed permits.

Key provisions of the ordinance:

•Firearm sales will be banned in the city.

•Gun training totaling four hours in a classroom and an hour on a firing range will be required before getting a permit. But firing ranges are banned, so training must be completed outside Chicago.

•To transport a gun, it will have to be "broken down," not immediately accessible, unloaded, and in a firearm case.

•Firearms may be possessed only inside the dwelling. It will be illegal to have a gun in the garage, on the front porch or in the yard. Guns also will not be allowed in hotels, dorms and group-living facilities

ELENA KAGAN

Elena Kagan for Supreme Court it's getting closer to the hearing hopes she make it do you.

JUDGE BELVIN PERRY JR.

The defense has filed a reply dealing with the death penalty motion and want the judge to denied the motion of the death penalty says that the state attorney are doing to much and not proving beyond a reasonable doubt . The attorney meeting with judge for a status hearing. Defense attorney want to exclude the 911 call for Casey mother.

THIS CASE IS ON CASEY ANTHONY'S

JUVENILE COURT

JUDGE TINA S.

SPRINGFIELD - A judge in Hampton Superior Court is questioning the credibility of two city police officers in a 2008 narcotics case.

JUDGE CHRISTEN

Yesterday, Governor Sarah Palin announced the appointment of Anchorage Superior Court Judge Morgan Christen to the high court in Alaska. Judge Christen will be just the second woman named to the high court in the 50 years since statehood. Some will emphasize the Sarah Palin angle of this story, because of differences between Christen's social values and Palin's. But to me, that is not the big part of the story. The big part of the story is that even in a state with a relatively small population, there was a woman jurist about whom any Governor, regardless of her or his own ideology, could say would make an outstanding state Supreme Court judge

JUDGE TIMOTHY

Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Judge Timothy J. McGinty stepped down Thursday from hearing the multiple murder trial of Anthony Sowell -- citing a potential conflict with his own well-known efforts to reform criminal justice practices.

McGinty said in a one-paragraph letter to Administrative Judge Eileen Gallagher that his own "public policy reform efforts" might lead to a conflict in hearing the high-profile trial.

Sowell had pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to 11 counts of aggravated murder and other charges last week after police investigators in October found the remains of 11 women at his Imperial Avenue home.

A new judge will get the case today, Gallagher said. She said she accepted McGinty's recusal from the case as standard procedure when any judge claims a conflict.

JUSTICE WILL BE SERVE !!!!!!!!!!!

Hello!!! on my web page I'm going to be talking about judges. Federal Judges I think they are the best. They do anything and mostly everything they want. Most importantly, they are fair in all ways. I'm going to be giving u updates of Judges and how the judicial system work. Trust me it's not like T.V Judges it's a whole different thing.