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Here are some random photos from a sentencing hearing in
well-publicized juvenile delinquency case.
We do not normally photograph court
proceedings, but since the media was taking
photos, we felt comfortable doing so. (We were
only prohibited from photographing the
defendant.)
These photographs are obviously not balanced or complete.
For one thing, they are way too "happy".
They show mainly the victorious D.A.'s side,
not the defendant's side, which was considerably
less happy. They may, however, provide a window
into court proceedings and personalities.
The defendant's family and supporters pray outside
the courtroom. The media, in turn, preys on
them.
This is not the normal juvenile delinquency courtroom, but
the set-up is the same.
(The proceedings were moved to this larger courtroom
to accommodate the expected media.)
Seated at the nearer table are a probation officer (blue)
and the Deputy D.A. (black). At the farther table are
the defendant (obscured), his mother and his lawyer.
On the far right is a newspaper photographer. There are
two TV stations present, but the court allows only
one camera to be used. (The second camera operator
receives a feed from the first.)
The defendant's lawyer happens to be running for D.A.,
and the flyer that appears in the foreground is
from his campaign.
Judge William Voy presiding.
Court Public Information Office Michael Sommermeyer,
here to wrangle the media.
After the hearing,
Channels 5 and 8 share a laugh while waiting to interview
the Deputy D.A.
