Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Merrill says he has seen offenders pull many dramatic stunts, such as renting a friend’s child to bring to court, trying to score pity points.
The Syracuse City Drug Court appeared to be a stage for the dramatics this afternoon. Presiding Judge Jeffrey Merrill played the lead as he delivered lines announcing sanctions, arrest warrants and court orders to the ensemble of offenders.
“All rise,” the bailiff announced as Merrill made his entrance.
“What’re you standing up for?” Lori asked her fellow offender, Robin, as she remained seated. “I never stand up for that p***k.”
While Syracuse Drug Court is a stage for many characters, like Lori, Judge Merrill runs the show.
"My role is that I am the father of an enormous dysfunctional family," he said to an audience of student reporters after the proceedings. “It's a very satisfying role."
As lead of the court, Judge Merrill’s duty is to provide drug addicts the opportunity to kick the addiction. He offers three solutions- join the rehabilitation program, spend weekends in jail or spend years in prison.
“All rise,” the bailiff announced as Merrill made his entrance.
“What’re you standing up for?” Lori asked her fellow offender, Robin, as she remained seated. “I never stand up for that p***k.”
While Syracuse Drug Court is a stage for many characters, like Lori, Judge Merrill runs the show.
"My role is that I am the father of an enormous dysfunctional family," he said to an audience of student reporters after the proceedings. “It's a very satisfying role."
As lead of the court, Judge Merrill’s duty is to provide drug addicts the opportunity to kick the addiction. He offers three solutions- join the rehabilitation program, spend weekends in jail or spend years in prison.
Merrill says he has seen offenders pull many dramatic stunts, such as renting a friend’s child to bring to court, trying to score pity points.
"Don't ever drag your kid to court again," Merrill said to Billy, an offender who brought a baby boy that was not his to the hearing. "I have no problem throwing you in jail right in front of your kid," he said as he motioned for the bailiff to cuff him.
Drug court sends out a message of hope.
"It works, it really works," Judge Merrill said to the audience of students with a smile after the show drew to a close.
"It works, it really works," Judge Merrill said to the audience of students with a smile after the show drew to a close.
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