My retired dad (and his friends) used to go into local courtrooms and "observe"

[Mind_your_head]

....and 'report' in the local papers and such. Just wondering if any of us retired or un/under-employed spend our time this way? In the county courthouse observing/learning?

[Poll_Blind]

1. I think this is actually an awesome idea. n/t

PB

[KILL THE WISE ONE]

2. no, the web is more fun, and you do not have to get dressed.

[Jkid]

3. What you folks describing is called "court tourism".

Nottingham, UK

I went to the Magistrates and Crown Court at least once in my trips to Nottingham. I just visited the various court rooms to see some proceedings and sentencing hearings.

Harford County, Maryland.

I went to the District court and experienced a bail review hearings of some juveniles and adults.

http://law.marquette.edu/facultyblog/2008/12/15/court-tourism/

[obxhead]

4. on juveniles?

really? In VA juveniles are dealt with in a closed court setting, only immediate family/attorneys etc can be in the room.

[Jkid]

5. Yeah, the last time I checked it was a juvenile. I don't remember.

But it's very fascinating. Inital bail hearings are done via video link in the US. In the UK, the person is hauled from the police station or hauls himself in to the magistrates court for a initial bail hearing. Bail review hearings in the UK if remanded are called applications for bail.