As the author of this blog, I thought it would be a good idea to get some basic info out into the world so that others can know a little bit about me. Criminal attorneys make many important contributions to society, but one of our greatest contributions is being able to stand in the middle of what the public perceives the world to be, and what it actually is. I am constantly amazed that my friends, and colleagues who are not involved in the criminal justice process have very little idea of what goes on around us.
The world is a dangerous place, but I don't think it is usually perceived that way. It is only in circumstances like those of the past few weeks, with flash mobs attacking foreign doctors in Streeterville (allegedly), that members of the community stop to take note of the violence around them. Typically, the criminal justice process shields the larger community from the knowledge of what is happening. Please don't mistake this as a negative critique, though. The economy of the United States depends on this shielding effect, and concurrently depends on those who provide that screen. When the veil is torn down, those who enjoy perpetrating evil feel they have the ability to do even more harm. Productive members of the community, frightened by what they have seen, turn inward - producing, and consuming less.
The criminal justice process is beautiful in that its design keeps the public at large from seeing its actions while affording the public every appearance of access. In Chicago, the main criminal courthouse is located at the intersection of 26th and California Streets. Have you been there if you have never committed a criminal offense - probably not. The courtrooms are open. The security is much less intrusive than before a domestic airline flight. Why haven't you gone to see what is happening in that large stone building? It is o.k. You don't have to go. We'll take care of the justice.
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