Reflection Essay

My time at the 7th District Court has been incredible. From observing courtroom dynamics to engaging in probation meetings, I have gained a firsthand understanding of how the courtroom works. These experiences have reassured my belief that a career in law is fit for me and given me a better perspective of how a courthouse works. 

Over the past weeks, I have worked in the probation department and the courthouse. I observed courtroom proceedings and sat in on probation meetings. Each day, I would review case files to understand the context of the hearings I attend. This preparation allowed me to understand the context of the evidence and arguments presented in court. Then, at the end, I would always sit down with one of the probation officers and debrief what had just happened. Discussions ranged from bizarre points made in one’s defense to the behaviors exhibited by a client. Breaking down the day's events allowed me to more fully understand the life of a lawyer or probation officer and how court arguments can be made. 

My time at the court has allowed me to learn several new skills. Sitting in on legal procedures, such as plea hearings and sentencing protocols, taught me how evidence was admitted and how juryless trials are held. I also learned how many people on probation frequently make mistakes or don’t uphold the terms of their sentences. This is hard on probation officers because simply sending them to jail is rarely an effective recovery method, but they can’t implement punishments. Drug court was the place where this was most prevalent. Since the system is entirely focused on treating substance abuse, those within the program all struggle with using various illicit drugs. I witnessed several people who couldn’t help themselves and continued using, resulting in their termination from the program and being sent back to jail. However, several people had made magnificent progress and either phased up through the stages or graduated utterly. It helped me realize that justice isn’t always punishment; it often gives people the tools they need, so they don’t have to repeat what they did.

Attempting to understand the behaviors of the drug programs and the probationers was extremely interesting. The main draw was to distinguish those who genuinely wanted to get better and get treatment from those doing as they were told. Instruction was made more complicated when some clients needed to speak English. There were several meetings I sat in on where we had to use a dial-up translator, which made the entire process much longer. Ensuring correct translation was extremely important, for if a probationer doesn’t understand what they are expected to do, they may violate different conditions without meaning to. 

My love for psychology and desire to join the legal field overlapped extensively during this internship. It was striking to see the effects that substance use can have on one’s mental processes and ability to control emotions. The things I learned will no doubt give me a leg up on my peers when I study law and help me interact with court staff when I pass the bar.

The COS internship has helped me learn more about being empathetic, trusting, and thinking about rehabilitation rather than punishment. Sean, Katie, and Melissa all helped me see that committing a crime didn’t mean that you needed to be sent to prison. Most people need somebody to help them work through their issues. Seeing the challenges the probationers and the drug court programmers face demonstrated how most elements of crime come from unfortunate circumstances. Where before, I would’ve been harsher when it comes to administering charges on an individual, I think that if I were a judge today, I would change that view. I would give more opportunities to grow and change before I resort to such action. 

Astounding is how I would describe my time in the Colorado judicial system. I will carry what I’ve learned with me as I go on to study law and hopefully begin practicing. In the meantime, I will use the practical skills to build my resume with other jobs to learn more about people and adequately apply the law to their lives.