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GO TO COURT......FOR FUN....... EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

By
Real Estate Broker/Owner with people first...then business Ran Right Realty 636943 licensed to thrill

Many years ago, before it became popular on TV, I established a peculiar habit. On my days off, I would frequent the courts in my area. It was fascinating, fun, free, safe and educational. Let me explain.......

If you have never been to a court room, it can be an intimidating place for both the new and the seasoned visitor. Yet few people look at it as a place of learning. Every problem you can imagine visits the courts at one time or another.

Small Claims......It is like a living newspaper full of interesting subjects.  The maximum amount allowed to be claimed is $7500 in California. Go early so that you can get a good seat. Then, be prepared to hear people discussing and arguing every subject you can imagine.

Observe court etiquette....the JUDGE is the ruler of all he surveys (HUGE PUN INTENDED). His bailiff enforces his will and the clerk carries out his every beck & call. Don't talk, chew gum, or disturb in any way.

Tempers flare, emotions are unleashed and composure's are lost. Thankfully, the judges stay focused on giving the best rulings they can despite your failings and behaviors. However, I wouldn't test your luck on this.

Very educational on where things end up. You learn what to do and what not to do... by watching people who are going to learn after the fact and at a great price. You learn for free and often choose a side.

The subjects are down to earth, everyday occurrences that you sometimes wouldn't pay any attention to. You quickly find out how easy it is to sue someone. It makes you more aware as a person as to what you do.

There is going to be a winner and a loser.....I have heard it said many times that everyone loses when you go to court. Time, money, stress, inconvenience, and all the rest of it are at play. Even if you win and get a judgment, you still have to get a court order and then execute it. More time and more money. That is also assuming that you can collect from someone.

If Small Claims court becomes boring, do what I did. I visited other court rooms. I learned to check with the Marshall's office to find out if there were any juicy cases too. They always knew were the best stuff was.

  • Criminal Courtt...very depressing to see men walk on a chain gang coming and going into court. The bailiff yells out "men walking" in a loud voice when they do. You quickly learn a lot about the dark side of the human race.  The air is so intense, you need a sharp knife to cut it with. Not for beginners.
  • Divorce Court...whew...dog eat dog where nothing is as it seems. Stakes are high like children, alimony and custody and character assassination's. Very intense. No winners here...only tragedies and losses.
  • Civil Court...will show you how many mistakes a person or company can make and what it will cost you for doing that. Witness testimony is fascinating. You will hear from experts in all fields all the way down to to really good liars on just about every subject.
  • Bankruptcy Court while interesting can get dry at times because of all the jargon used. Still, when it gets to issues you can relate to, it quickly becomes of interest.

People, students and attorneys right out of Law school all visit the courts for free to learn and educate themselves. When compared to television, this is the best educational entertainment out there you can get.

GIVES NEW MEANING TO.....I'LL SEE YOU IN COURT....!!!!!!

 

Comments (2)

Harry F. D'Elia III
WEDO Real Estate and Beyond, LLC - Phoenix, AZ
Investor , Mentor, GRI, Radio, CIPS, REOs, ABR

That is great advice. Experiencing how our court system works is very educational.

Apr 15, 2010 01:00 AM
Richie Alan Naggar
people first...then business Ran Right Realty - Riverside, CA
agent & author

Hey Harry......what you will learn is that real life drama with us in the mix of it... teaches you all you need to know about life just by getting involved. I sat in on so many contract disputes that I subsequently created the perfect contract knowing what will or won't fly if contested. Remember, TV only engages the eyes and ears, this suggestion feeds the all the senses. Thank you

Apr 15, 2010 01:45 AM