Today was the third day of my week long internship at a court house. Not considering that I haven't been able to speak properly these last THREE days (I've lost my voice) and having to be drugged up on paracetamol it's been great. We started of with a guided tour of the facilities, including the detention area before being given an assignment and seeing the work being done. We researched and answered some questions from the public (and I do hope they controlled what we said before replying with our text) and then tried to consider the cases for the next day – especially the question of punishment in case of a guilty sentence. We were even allowed in on the preparation for a case on living arrangements for a child. Everybody at the court is being very nice to us and it's fun seeing more of Gisela on a daily basis. Can't say I am loving commuting again, with my bus leaving at 7.30 in the morning, but at least it's a nice trip .
Tuesday we followed a number of criminal hearings: drunk driving abroad, violence towards an official and damage. It was all terribly interesting and I feel I learned loads from just following the proceedings, listening to and seeing the parties LIVE, and then taking part of the sentence and some of the reasoning behind it. The initials in the cases we read became people and I was reminded of how important the courts work is and that it affects real people and lives. As a bonus certain aspects of our studies have started to become clearer – some situations have been conveniently illustrated for our benefit (sort of). One of the judges gave me a ride back to Lund at the end of the day and I found, upon returning home, that that evenings course in Legal English had been cancelled so I could stay home and be pathetically ill.
Today we witnessed more criminal cases. It's just as fascinating still, and I'm learning SO much. We got a taste of cancelled proceedings due to lack of interpretor (unexpected), due to the defendant not showing up (the excuse being valid is yet to be determined), people with defence attorneys and those representing themselves (get a lawyer- it's good advice) and an interpretated proceeding regarding both crime and detention. A little of everything. I am so happy I've ended up at the court instead of a firm. Am feeling a bit ill at ease though and I admire those who do this on a daily basis and manage to remain compassionate and still make difficult but necessary decisions. I don't think I could manage that. I felt so sad for so many – kept feeling a lump in my throat. And still I do believe those who commit crimes must be punished. It seems though that criminal aren't just evil people (which of course I already knew but also felt now) – many are ordinary people who made mistakes. A very good experience whatever career path one may take in the future.
Only to days left. A pity. Though I am looking forward to not having to commute. A bicycle ride away is a good distance.
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