Business Law 101: Assessment 2 - Court Observation Report Analysis

This court observation report examines the conduct of a judge in ensuring procedural fairness within a courtroom setting. The report focuses on key aspects such as neutrality, respect, and voice, analyzing how the judge maintains impartiality, treats all parties with respect, and ensures all parties have sufficient opportunity to present their cases. Specific examples from the observation illustrate how the judge provided equal time for presentations, listened carefully, maintained a professional demeanor, and clarified procedures for all parties. The report concludes with a reflection on the observer's confidence in receiving fair treatment within the legal system based on the observed judicial conduct. This document is available on Desklib, a platform offering a wide range of study tools and solved assignments for students.

Running Head: OBSERVATION 1
Courtroom Observation Report
Name
Affiliation
Instructor
Date

Observation 2
Courtroom Observation Report
Neutrality
During my court observation, I was able to identify that the judge was fair in his statements
and judgments. He was impartial and this leads to satisfaction in both the defendants and
the plaintiffs. The most important aspect also included his act of equality where he served
the interests of all parties equally. This was despite their prejudices against each other. For
example, the judge gave sufficient time for all lawyers to prepare their presentations well.
During the entire process, he was able to also listen to the presentations impartially and
carefully, (McManus, 2018). Judges must master the art if listening carefully so that they can
grasp all the details of the case. In the court, the judge kept asking questions for purposes of
clarification and this is what pleased me. However, he was able to maintain a mean
demeanor the entire time hence showing that he meant business. This helps in setting the
mood of the courtroom and also indicates that serious matters are being handled.
Proceedings in the courtroom were also open, transparent and clear, (McLoughin, 2017).
This gave the accused an opportunity to understand all procedures and events easily. Lastly,
the judge was patient with all parties and treated them equally.
Respect
Respect is fundamental in all careers. In the courtroom, the judge respected all people
equally and accorded them respectful treatment. The judge did not also identify the accused
as thieves, rapists or murderer. Similarly, decisions that were not clear were clarified by the

Observation 3
judge at all times. In most of the cases, the judge managed to maintain good eye contact,
posture and dressed well too. Being the leader in the courtroom, he gave directions on what
to do and what not to do in a polite way. Generally, the mood of the courtroom was
consistently maintained and this motivated all parties, (Tutton et al., 2018).
Voice
Voice is equally an essential element during communication. The judge gave sufficient time
to the defense and plaintiffs so that they could present their cases and arguments
sufficiently. In addition, there was a clear understanding of the cases and this was seen
through the way the judge noted down the arguments and important points, (French, 2017).
Witnesses were also given sufficient time to narrate their experiences and this was a good
move that led to the fair determination of cases. In most cases, those attending the court
proceedings were given humble time to familiarise themselves with the court procedures
being used. As such, the desire to have a fair hearing should consider important and partial
information that is raised by either the defense or the plaintiffs. Lastly, the judge was
instrumental in giving direction to the lawyers representing their clients especially in terms
of dates of hearing the cases, when appeals can be made and also the possible remedies
that are available to the accused persons.
Answer 4.

Observation 4
Yes. From my observation, the judge gives everyone the opportunity to defend himself or
herself. The judge also listens to all interested parties. As a result, I have confidence that I
will be treated fairly.