Letter - Courts should follow rules

To the editor:

Recently, I appeared in a nearby district court. A nice bailiff proclaimed, “All rise,” when the judge entered. I didn’t like that myself and the other assorted and alleged perpetrators of petty and victimless crimes were all told to show up at 8:30 and then left to sit there waiting nearly an hour (missing work) for this judge (who is paid around $100,000 a year) to finally show up.

I decided, not for the first time in my life, to remain seated. The order was given two more times while I sat there, but I kept planted. This illegal order that was given, was not in compliance with Minnesota Rules of Court 2.01, which states that at the opening of court, the bailiff is to request, “Everyone, please rise.”

The Bible says to give honor where it is due. I try to live by that, but respect is a two-way street, no matter who you are, and manners and rules are for everyone.

Afterwards, I informed the court administrator of the rule infraction. She assured me some days later in a letter, that they meant no disrespect by failing to use the proper “request,” and stated that they had changed their opening morning statement to include “Everyone, please rise.” I assured her that I, also, meant no disrespect and will be happy stand up in the future when the request is issued politely, respectfully, and in accordance with state law.

I commend the District Court in Swift County for the respect that they show the public in so doing, and encourage the District Court in Douglas County to do likewise.

Judd Hoff

Forada, MN

Tags: opinion, letters