They could never ask for a better judge

For anyone who thinks I am buttering up to the judge, guess again. We’ve already met and I doubt if we will do so again, unless I have an opportunity to attend part of the murder trial next year. Even so, I will be there as an observer and I seriously doubt he would hold me in contempt for anything or need to reintroduce himself.

Photo courtesy of Orlando Sentinel

After my experience in the courtroom at Casey’s last hearing, I read several comments elsewhere that questioned Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland’s wisdom because he acknowledged reading my blog. I’m sure he reads many others, including forums. He may have recognized me because my face is plastered at the top, in the banner. Easily, he could have told me I look better in my picture than I do in real life and I’m sure he would be right, but I firmly believe he is fair and extremely discreet, and I’m convinced he wouldn’t agree with what a lot of people continue to say about the entire case. Yes, at times that would include me, I’m sure. I wonder what he thinks about breaking news reports of signed book contracts that prove later to be unfounded? Does he pay close attention to the frenzy of the screaming crowds and how they may fuel the defense motions for changes of venue?

It saddens me to read any negative comments about him anywhere, because he can’t just stick his head in the ground until this case is over. He shouldn’t stop reading the Orlando Sentinel or watching the nightly news. He can’t just sequester himself and close his eyes and ears. Please give him the benefit of the doubt. After all, he didn’t achieve this stature by basing guilt or innocence on nothing more than other people’s opinions. In many cases, very skewed opinions. That’s why he’s the real judge and we are not. I do not believe for one second that by perusing Web sites pertaining to this case, it would have any bearing on him regarding how he renders a decision. If anything, it would enlighten him to the madness of it all.

Upon watching him in the courtroom, I found his candor to be quite refreshing and I welcomed his open-mindedness. I saw live how sharp and focused he remains at all times. He is very well-mannered, well-informed, highly intelligent and because of his personality, humble to boot. Later, when I returned from the courthouse and read around the Internet, I found it rather peculiar that some would judge the judge and deem his qualities questionable at all for requesting to meet me, as if he must recuse himself from this case for keeping up with current affairs, including blogs and forums about all of the Anthonys and Casey’s defense lawyers.

I wonder what makes those who scrutinize Judge Strickland qualified to make broad assumptions about his reasoning and character. Why have some moved on from judging Casey to judging the judge? My, my, what narcissists some can be.

Recently, I was discussing this case with an attorney I know. I wrote about it in a comment on a post written prior to attending court, but it’s well worth repeating today. I asked her (the attorney) why, since Judge Strickland was moved fromcriminal to civil court in early 2009, was he hearing this criminal case? I knew then that judges are routinely moved from court to court to court and it has nothing to do with any issues pertaining to reputation or anything, unless it’s obvious. She told me that judges can take cases with them when they are moved elsewhere. She emphasized that Judge Strickland is an incredible judge and he is highly regarded, well liked and well-respected by his peers, which includes not only judges but all practicing attorneys in this entire area we call Central Florida. She added that his reasoning for taking this case with him had nothing to do with ego. Quite the contrary. It was all about not wanting to burden any other judge with this ever-expanding mess. He wouldn’t wish this on anyone.

What she told me spoke volumes about the man, his integrity, and his fairness. In the end, whatever he reads, sees and hears about this case - the stories and theories that plague the news and Internet on a daily basis - he completely understands how to judge it all, and the bottom line comes down to two things and two things only: Justice for Caylee - and no matter what anyone else thinks -Justice for Casey.

See also: Ninth Circuit Court

In August of 2008, the Central Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers published its annual Judicial Poll findings. In the Public Comments of Ninth Judicial Circuit Court Judges in Orange County, here are some of the results of what criminal defense lawyers had to say about Circuit Court Judge Stan Strickland:

• Hard working, knowledgeable, superb judicial demeanor – the epitome of how a judge should act!

• Smart, pleasant, efficient. Judge who definitely knows the law although he does not necessarily always follow it.

• Judge Strickland is a fine judge with a good temperament.

• No matter which side he rules in favor of, he always seems to make the correct, legal and wise decision.

Thank you, Maura