Common Law No. 23: the judge reads Chinese

Sept. 16, 20098:30 a.m.

We’ve seen several defendants on Common Law receive probation instead of going to prison. But as public defender Lacy Gilmour explained, just because you get out of jail, that doesn’t mean freedom. Justin Kelly was lucky to get out, after skipping court last month. Judge James Fleetwood doubled his jail time, should he violate his probation. Kelly also learned when you show up for court with a Chinese tattoo, make sure the judge can’t read it. (Watch video after the jump) Read More »

By Ron Sylvester | Tagged as , , , , \n | Comments (2) | Share this post

Call to order

Jan. 21, 200811:41 a.m.

Don’t let the name fool you. I have no reason to believe that the sentiment suggested by the name of this blog, taken from a famous quote by a federal judge, determines how cases really are decided in Kansas.

But when we heard lawyers say it, it made those of us who cover the courthouse smile. We thought it might catch your attention, too.

The intent of this blog is to keep you up with the happenings of the courts in Wichita and surrounding. I’ve covered the state and federal courthouses for The Wichita Eagle since 2000. I have been a working journalist for 30 years.

Most of what I write ends up as stories on Kansas.com and in the Eagle. But there’s more going on at the courthouse than what usually fits into those stories.

This is the place to find background, notes, quotes and tidbits that may enhance your understanding of our courts and the way cases are tried in this part of the country.

Most of the judges I know take their jobs seriously. They don’t base their decisions on how they’re feeling that day.

As for my part, what I post here and even how often may sometimes depend on what the reporter ate for breakfast.

By Ron Sylvester | Tagged as , , \n | Comments Off | Share this post