Physically the interior bears faint echoes of royal court or church altar: stiff straightbacked benches like church pews in the gallery, authority vested in the person of the black-robed judge is elevated above the floor level of miked podium for recording testimony and other proceedings, as well as the floor level of the gallery nearest the main entrance (double-doors). Flanking the judge are 3 staffers keeping track of all recordings and decisions during the process of confirming identity, infraction/crime, any plea agreement offered and responded to, asking for plea of guilty (then waiving rights of jury trial) or innocent, and so on. On the wall behind and to the judge's left are the USA and the Michigan flags. And to his right is the platter-sized 'Great Seal of the State of Michigan', lending further formality and authority to the solemn proceedings.
Breaking the seriousness of the atmosphere, the judge asked members of the audience and all officials present (including 4 sheriffs at one phase) how they were doing this morning: thumbs up and verbal signs came in reply. A couple of shorter matters were dealt with before the 17 potential jurors were invited to enter the room. In one instance the Judge made small talk and extended some jocular rapport by asking the defendant what they'd normally be doing if not summoned to this court date. Answer: celebrating their birthday. So the judge invited all assembled to sing out the "happy birthday song."
At one point it was time for the pool of potential jurors to enter the room and the judge requested that everyone in the room rise as sign of respect or recognition of the responsibility that would be put on the shoulders of 7 of them later that morning. After seating everyone, a late comer to the pool led to everyone being asked to rise again. So it not just the entering and exiting of the judge that calls for visible demonstration of respect. Another heritage or archaic custom was for attorneys representing defendant first having to ask "[may I have your] Permission to approach the bench?"
The overall tone of the morning was care and methodically advancing through the steps to leave no doubt or room for misunderstanding of each statement or assertion and the consequences that follow from that. Near the end stage between judge and defendant(s), the judge directly asks if the person's admission/acceptance of guilt was coerced or influenced by offered incentive, and whether the person is of clear mind - unclouded by alcohol or other substances.
At several points the Judge specifically used the phrase "I appreciate you doing X or Y" so the defendant, the staff, the members of public felt "seen" or acknowledged. He also took care to speak slowly and clearly, and to explain each step (and its legal term) so no mystification would be experienced.
In the end, the lasting impression was order and method, fairness and recognition of the experience of all parties. In other words, from the eyes of one newcomer, the Rule of Law is still in force, despite naysayers, conspiracy stokers, and fraudsters claiming they have special and exclusive truth. Leaving the courtroom and returning to the outside world, the morning view high overhead the hustle and bustle out in the world was a satisfying conclusion to the morning; justice being done without fear or favor.
Looking west from the courtroom suites mid-morning
