COURT OBSERVATION NARRATIVE REPORT PREPARED BY: LORRIE-DEL V. ALBARICO 4 TH YEAR L02 I.
WHEN IN COURT ROOM
It was a rainy morning when I had my first court observation. I was sitting beside the photocopier waiting for what Branch of court will open first and conduct its hearing. While sitting I saw some of my professors in law school wearing their barongs and corporate attires. I smiled recounting the faces of my classmates during our Practice Court class where some of them looked like a chauffeur and others were like attending a wedding. But my silly imagination was interrupted when my classmates arrived and we decided to check some court rooms if they have a hearing. While strolling around, I just discovered that all courts don’t conduct hearings every da y and each branch has its own schedule of hearing. The first court that we visited is the Regional Trial Court Branch 42. Most cases tried and heard in that branch were civil cases and some were criminal cases with civil liability attached. For two hours, we have observed how a lawyer presented himself before the honorable judge and having an excellent oral communication skill is very important. And of course one must be well versed with the Rules of Court which could really be good ammunition during litigation. While the hearing is going on we were so quiet and only our eyes were moving nonstop. We are so thirsty to witness a trial wherein two lawyers will present in court with their witnesses and other evidences. To our dismay most cases were reset to next year if not in the late month of this year. Probably the dockets of the court were really congested with bulk of cases the reason why most cases were decided years after. Thereafter we moved to RTC Branch 45 which is a Family Court. When we entered the room the hearing is already in session and it was full packed. We were sitting at the back and I really admired looking at all the lawyers wishing that someday I may become one of them. I also stared at their clients and I can see that each of them feels that they have a superhero to guard them and to protect their rights and interest, only that it is in exchange of a fee. But what caught my attention are the two men sitting beside us, handcuffed. We are so lucky to witness the promulgation of one accused for the crime of theft where he was acquitted on the ground that the police have not presented any evidence in court. The other prisoner was accused for the crime of acts of lasciviousness and upon knowing that, we got terrified to be seated near him. Although we did not have an ample time in that branch we learned a lot because most of the cases were very interesting; especially the case of annulment. Finally, we were able to see a cross-examination. Indeed annulment is a painful process especially to those who really valued the sanctity of their marriage which turned out to be chaos. Probably in all court rooms, actions and dramas really happen, that is maybe because what are involved are the life, liberty and property of a person. This made me appreciate more the role of legal profession in the society.
My other court observations that followed were just almost the same with the previous because I only had civil cases and others were in summary proceedings and some were moved for a reset. Honestly I really wanted to observe drugs and rape cases. But unfortunately we were advised that sometimes the Judge won’t allow outsiders. On the lighter side of everything I was so happy that I was able to have this opportunity and learn more about the p rofession that I’m trying to pursue. II.
LEGAL PROFESSION; TO BE OR NOT TO BE.
“To be or not to be, that is the question. Whether ‘tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.” This was taken from one of Shakespeare’s literary piece, The Hamlet. Upon entering law school and I experienced how crucial and intricate the law and the legal profession itself, I began to ask myself if I should keep it going or should I focus on something else. The Bar exam for me is an ultimatum and until now I am still not prepared for it though I’m already in my fourth year. However, my faith remains undaunted and I still hope that someday I will really become a professional lawyer. If ever that may happen, my strongest point as a lawyer would be my ability to convince and think fast whenever I’m confronted with situations that would require me to defend my stand. That is why I really need to do more effort to study and embrace the language and demands of the law. An in-depth understanding and wide range of knowledge of the law could be a good tool in all different cases may it be criminal, civil or administrative. To pursue this profession I need to sacrifice and later reap more sacrifices with a nobility and humility attached.
