SUAN, BEA B. JD-2 CIVIL PROCEDURE MARCH 11, 2015

COURT VISIT OBSERVATION REPORT

In the realm of studying laws, comprehensive understanding entails not just learning from the four corners of the room but the actual application of these laws into practice. Significantly, comprehensive understanding of procedural laws requires knowledge of its actual proceedings. Court visit has never been novel to me considering that in our college days we have been exposed to this practice. But every experience no matter how usual will always bring new insight and understanding. The court hearing that we have visited and attended last Monday showed to us the court procedure in the conduct of criminal cases such as physical injuries and estafa. Likewise, it showed to us the new court rooms established were it is now more well-ventilated, very new and accommodating for every person. The physical set-up inside the court room was also good. Seats are specifically allocated to different persons such as the accused, detained person, public prosecutors, counsels and even for audiences.We have been jumping from one branch to another because most of them has reset the case or others were public prosecutor was absent. In the branch where the estafa case was heard, presentation of evidence pursued. The counsel has presented the evidence in a very respectful and concise way. He offered the evidence indicating the particular number or letter of the document as it is reflected in the annexes. However, the trial was postponed by motion because of some lacking evidence.On the other hand, in the RTC branch 6 presided by Judge Veloso, a criminal case of physical injuries was being tried. More than the case itself, attention has been drawn into the lady judge. Respect to the court and to officers of the law is the main thing that has remained in me after I have been in that branch. She had managed to intervene and reprimand the mother who refused to give information regarding her sons whereabouts to her sons wife. More than that, the mother was reprimanded because of raising her voice while talking to the judge. Judge Veloso warned the mother not to use the same tone on her or else she will be held in contempt. In addition to that, another case was tried where complainant never appeared and thereby acquitted the accused. It was a bit funny considering that the accused said to the judge that his complainant will not pursue with the case anymore. He was asked on how he was able to know this information since he was detained. The accused merely said that he was visited by the complainant and was told of his desistance in pursuing the case.Indeed, the court would show to us the application of all the laws that we have learned, from substantive laws to procedural laws. It will reveal all the legal practices and even matters beyond the sphere of law such as emotions and others.