My Day in Court

Recently, I had the opportunity to sit in on a court session in Meru, at the Nkubu Law Courts, and let me tell you, it was an eye-opening experience! If you’ve ever imagined a courtroom filled with tension, drama, and high-stakes decisions, this particular session might have shattered that illusion. Instead of the expected stern-faced proceedings, the atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant, and the magistrate's approach to justice was as accommodating as it was thoughtful.

Here's a quick rundown of the day's events, which had me reflecting on the delicate balance between law, fairness, and humanity.

1. A Young Magistrate with a Heart for Justice

What struck me first as I entered the courtroom was the magistrate himself. He was a young man, possibly in his early 30s, which, I must admit, gave the whole session a certain refreshing energy. His demeanor was calm and professional, yet there was an undeniable warmth to his interactions with both the accused and their lawyers. It was clear he didn’t just see the cases before him as mere formalities—he genuinely wanted to ensure justice was served with empathy and understanding. His youth didn’t seem like a limitation but rather a sign that the legal system could benefit from fresh perspectives, especially one that was patient, attentive, and flexible.

2. Case Closed Due to Lack of Evidence

The first case of the day was swiftly handled. The accused stood nervously before the magistrate, but after a thorough review of the evidence—or lack thereof—the decision was clear: not guilty. With no compelling evidence against the person, the magistrate acquitted the defendant. There was no dramatic gavel slam or intense courtroom standoff; it was simply a case of fairness prevailing. This was my first glimpse of how deeply the magistrate took the principle of justice, ensuring that no one was unjustly held accountable.?

3. A No-Show Sends the Case to a Standstill

Next up was a case where the complainant failed to show up. I’m sure you've seen TV dramas where missing witnesses or complainants can throw everything into disarray, but this time, it was surprisingly smooth. With a calm and collected demeanor, the magistrate dismissed the case due to the complainant’s absence, understanding that without their presence, the trial couldn't proceed. The accused person looked relieved, but it was a reminder of how crucial witnesses are to the legal process.

?4. A Non-Custodial Sentence

Then came an unexpected moment of kindness: one individual was given a non-custodial sentence. The defendant had been caught up in a minor infraction, and after a detailed examination of the circumstances, the magistrate decided that community service or another form of rehabilitation would be more appropriate than jail time. This was justice with a heart—providing a second chance for rehabilitation rather than punishment, and a reminder that not all transgressions need a prison sentence to make things right.

5. Awaiting Probation Reports: Patience in the System

Two cases followed, each involving defendants who had committed crimes but whose sentencing was postponed. The reason? Probation officer reports. The magistrate chose to wait for the reports before passing judgment, illustrating a patient and thorough approach to justice. It was clear that this wasn’t about rushing through cases, but ensuring that all the facts—especially those related to an individual’s background—were fully considered.

6. The Unfortunate Return to Prison

However, not all stories had a happy ending. Two women who had been granted bail were summoned to the court, and much to their dismay, the magistrate cancelled their bond terms. The decision wasn’t made lightly. The women were sent back to prison, a harsh but necessary consequence in the eyes of the law. The courtroom’s energy shifted as the two women were escorted away, and it was a sobering reminder that not every story in the courtroom ends with a favorable outcome. Sometimes, the law demands strict accountability.

7. The Prisoners: Disheveled, Confused, and Young

As the day wore on, the focus shifted to the prisoners—most of whom were young men, some barely out of their teens. They shuffled into the courtroom, disheveled, with confused looks in their eyes. It was clear they weren’t accustomed to the formality of the court. Their clothes were unkempt; some appeared to have spent far too many days behind bars. One prisoner in particular stood out—he entered without shoes, a stark visual that painted a grim picture of his situation. It was a poignant reminder that, for many in the justice system, the journey is far from over once they’re behind bars. These weren’t hardened criminals but often young individuals caught in difficult circumstances. The look of uncertainty on their faces made the room feel heavy, and it reminded me that the legal system impacts not only the guilty but also those still finding their way.

8. Young, Overzealous Police Officers in the Courtroom

While the magistrate’s youthful presence was a breath of fresh air, the same could not be said for the police officers in attendance. There was a definite contrast in the room—while the magistrate handled each case with grace, the police officers, many of whom were much younger, appeared a bit too eager to assert their authority. Their energy was high, and their voices sometimes raised, as if they were trying to make a statement.

It wasn’t that they were aggressive, but there was an unmistakable sense of overzealousness in their actions. One couldn’t help but feel that while they were dedicated to their roles, they perhaps lacked the tempered approach the magistrate displayed. In a way, it was a perfect juxtaposition: the balance of youthful enthusiasm and the wisdom of measured justice.

All in all, my time in court was a reminder that justice isn’t a one-size-fits-all system. It was a day full of surprises, learning, and reflection—an experience that reshaped my view of what it means to be truly fair in the eyes of the law. Justice may sometimes be blind, but on this day in Meru, it was also compassionate and deeply human.

?

?