The pursuit of justice in America is not confined to a typical nine-to-five schedule. Judge Jonathan Svetkey expressed his gratitude to a team of defense attorneys during a recent Night Court arraignment in Manhattan. The attorneys had been diligently working to secure mental-health services and a place to stay for their client. Despite their efforts, the judge was doubtful that the defendant would comply with their requests. He ultimately set bail at $5,000, emphasizing the demanding nature of Night Court, which typically handles 70-90 cases per shift.
During the day, Manhattan’s Criminal Court is a hive of activity, with long lines at the entrance and a constant flow of lawyers, jurors, defendants, and police. However, after 5pm, the building empties out, except for two courtrooms that remain open until 1am to process arraignments.
Night Court has long been an essential component of New York City’s criminal justice system, helping to prevent further backlog in the courts. Moreover, the implementation of late shifts reflects a broader national initiative to enhance efficiency and public confidence in the justice system by utilizing alternative hours.
2024-02-15 10:59:41
Source from www.economist.com