First I had to go into our local Cochise County Courthouse for jury selection on Monday. We were asked to be there by 12:30PM and there were a whole passel of us. We waited and waited. We were put in the kitchen to watch an orientation film. By the 4th time around we were able recite the dialogue by heart. The clerk came and relieved us of another repetition by putting the equipment back to television broadcast. Before I could expel my sigh of relief, however, I realized that she had put on Fox News, so my sigh turned to a groan. Luckily, I had a good book with me (Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie) and was able to tune out most of what was being said on the news program. The only thing I gave my attention to was a story about a 14 year-old boy who was getting national attention as a chef.
Anyway, it turned out that the judge had been delayed in Tucson and we didn't get into the courtroom to begin jury selecton until after 3PM. At last we emerged from the on-hold pattern of bored waiting. Once the proceedings started, I must say, I was favorably impressed by the staff of the court, especially, but not exclusively, the judge himself , the honorable Wallace R. Hoggatt. I was actually sorry that I wouldn't get to be on a jury in his courtroom, just for the experience. And as it turned out he excused me so that I could go to Tucson with Sharon for Wendy's Guardianship of A.J. on Thursday, the 25th.
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June 16, 1871
During the Civil War, Clement Vallandigham was convicted of treason for his speeches attacking the administration of President Abraham Lincoln. He was banished to the South, where, still voicing his opinion for states' rights, he became a lawyer.
His last appearance in the courtroom he represented a client on trial for murder. The defense claimed that the victim's method of drawing his own gun resulting in it firing and killing himself.
To prove the defense argument, Vallandigham demonstrated the victim's method of drawing the gun - using the loaded evidence gun as his prop. The firearm went off, and he lost his life- but proved his case.
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