Natalie Slade

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          Most of this week I spent my time organizing docket sheets and typing docket sheets into the typewriter. We received many docket sheets, some that get thrown away, some that need to be sealed and some that need to be filed back into the records room. I organized probably hundreds of docket sheets. I also typed new docket sheets into the system as well. When a new case is brought to the courthouse a docket sheet it filled out either by the plaintiff or the police. This sheet needs to be transcribed via the typewriter for the case to be brought to a judge. I learned how to use a typewriter and fill out docket sheets with it. This job is very important and you have to take it slow. On the typewriter, there is no backspace/delete key. If you make a mistake you have to start the whole docket sheet over again. I learned that you must be very cautious while typing out the information on each docket sheet.

          There have been a couple of awkward and challenging situations at my time at the courthouse. One situation I faced was with the Clerk Magistrate. She has given me a 600-page packet of medical documents that I needed to make 2 copies of. I had to go in small intervals because the copying machine could only take so many sheets at a time. For one of these intervals, I accidentally made the pages double-sided instead of single-sided and I didn't know what to do. I went up to the Clerk-Magistrate and told her that I messed up and I was waiting for her to tell me off but she was not mad at all and she just said I had to re-do it. I was relieved although very embarrassed because I had just wasted a bunch of paper. It was a little awkward because copying pages seem like a simple job, although I have never really done it before. I was very embarrassed although I learned that everybody in the office has made almost the same mistake I made.

          I have never stepped foot into a courthouse before interning here. All of my impressions of courthouses have been from movies, TV, and social media. My outlook on the courthouse has completely changed from my prior impressions. Courthouses and cases are always portrayed as very dramatic and surprising things. In reality, it is far from that. The courthouse is very serious and it is not all so intriguing. The paperwork we are doing is not exciting and even though some of the cases are fun to watch and learn, they are all very serious and never dramatic or surprising.

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