Seth Abramson's posts are always interesting. An interesting insight into a complicated personality. And just interesting.
Lately Seth's been blogging about his time as a public defender (heroes, difficulties, bravery, etc, etc. See here and here.
In the first post Seth, among other things, really goes after Law & Order. His main point, I think, is that the show's given the American Public a completely wrong and silly idea of what the public defense system actually's like--- and I won't argue about that!
I used to watch Law & Order a lot and really enjoyed it. I never, though, believed that it was a reasonable representation of the criminal justice system. For me it's just simply a kind of soap opera. Or perhaps more accurately just a puzzle that falls quite easily into place.
And for me that's the attraction (or was the attraction.) I enjoyed watching things just slide right into place. Like a medieval representation of the world (universe!) unfurled to me over and over. Or like going into Cathedral after Cathedral. Or staring at beautiful and orderly plates in Istanbul. I'm addicted to order. Nice stable systems. And Law & Order delivers. On the other hand Seth's blog is one I often visit because it is just, on so many levels, so damned interesting.
Showing posts with label Law and Order. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Law and Order. Show all posts
Friday, July 24, 2009
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Ron Silliman Dream #6: In Court
..
I’m in court with Ron Silliman. He’s cross-examining me.
“Where were you, Rauan M. Klassnik,” on March, 2nd 2003, he asks-- winking at me, and then, again and again, all around the room.
“I have no idea,” I answer. “I’m sorry but I don’t have one of those calendar memories.”
The judge gives me a bad look.
“Then I’ll give you an easier one,” Silliman says. “A slow-pitch softball. A watermelon.”
I’m starting to feel uncomfortable. Silliman pauses for effect and then launches out again:
“Where were you on March 2nd, 1932,”
“Ha!” I exclaim right away. “I wasn’t even born then.”
Ron jumps right back at me: “It is well known, and time-stamped too, that you were at your computer using the handle ‘monkey-face’ to slander me. Slander me horribly.”
He pauses again, and then:
“And, so, do you deny this?”
I look over at the judge, and when he gives me a really nasty look I notice he’s wearing a cap that says Langpo.”
On recess, and this is all feeling very Law-&-Order, Silliman approaches me:
“you know we can settle this all very simply.” And he winks at me again.
The next thing I know I’m in a hospital room. In the bed next to me’s a young woman in a suit. She’s got a small purple bruise on her right cheek.
“We should sue,” she says.
I’m in court with Ron Silliman. He’s cross-examining me.
“Where were you, Rauan M. Klassnik,” on March, 2nd 2003, he asks-- winking at me, and then, again and again, all around the room.
“I have no idea,” I answer. “I’m sorry but I don’t have one of those calendar memories.”
The judge gives me a bad look.
“Then I’ll give you an easier one,” Silliman says. “A slow-pitch softball. A watermelon.”
I’m starting to feel uncomfortable. Silliman pauses for effect and then launches out again:
“Where were you on March 2nd, 1932,”
“Ha!” I exclaim right away. “I wasn’t even born then.”
Ron jumps right back at me: “It is well known, and time-stamped too, that you were at your computer using the handle ‘monkey-face’ to slander me. Slander me horribly.”
He pauses again, and then:
“And, so, do you deny this?”
I look over at the judge, and when he gives me a really nasty look I notice he’s wearing a cap that says Langpo.”
On recess, and this is all feeling very Law-&-Order, Silliman approaches me:
“you know we can settle this all very simply.” And he winks at me again.
The next thing I know I’m in a hospital room. In the bed next to me’s a young woman in a suit. She’s got a small purple bruise on her right cheek.
“We should sue,” she says.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
