Who Decides–Client or Lawyer?

When a lawyer represents an accused person, which choices are reserved for the lawyer and which ones for the client?plea bargain

Of course, in any lawyer/client relationship the people involved will determine who makes the decisions.  However, in criminal cases there are two main decisions that only the client can make—

1.  The decision to plead guilty or to …

What Do Judges Wear Under Their Robes?

what judges wear under their robesJudges wear robes.  What a lot of people really want to know is what do judges wear underneath them??  Before we get to that, let’s look at the trappings of a modern courtroom.

If you’ve ever been in one, you’ll remember they’re usually big.  The design is formal, barren, and plain.  The judge always sits on a raised …

What Judges Do Behind Closed Doors

judgesOver the many years I have practiced before the judges of Minnesota, I have found them to be hard-working, honest, and fair for the most part.  But there are some funny stories about what judges do behind closed doors and behind the courtrooms.

1.  One day I came into a judge’s chambers while his clerk rushed out.  He …

The Truth Behind Judges Selection

Ever wonder how the judges selection process works?judges selection

In Minnesota, as in many states, the state court judges are elected.  The constitution of the state requires this.  However, if a judge retires before his term is finished the governor may appoint a new judge to fill the spot.  The federal courts are different.  Under the U.S. Constitution, all …

Why Do Judges Wear Robes??

colin.nelson.smallfileIt’s so common to see every judge walk up to the bench with black robes flapping around their legs that we don’t even wonder why they wear those robes.  At least in America the judges wear plain robes unlike England where the judges have colored collars, stripes on the sleeves, furry things around their necks, and funny wigs.…

George Zimmerman–Now What’s Going on in his Trial?

The George Zimmerman trial in Florida where he is accused of Second Degree Murder for killing Trayvon Martin was about to go to the jury.  The lawyers made their closing arguments and the next step would have been the judge reading the jury instructions to the jury.  These are precise definitions of the law in the state of …

Trial by Jury or Judge—Which One?

People charged with a crime face the choice of either a jury deciding their case or a judge without a jury.  Which one should the accused pick?  Why would they choose one over the other?  Which one gives them the best chance?”colin.nelson.smallfile

The Constitution provides that an accused person is entitled to a “jury of their peers.”  …