"Every millenial attorney is looking at their cell phones"

(Southpark)

Judge Christopher Wilson's good mood from Friday continued today providing more levity in the courtroom. We were waiting on lawyers and jail staff to bring inmates into the correctional facility "Zoom" room.

"Every millenial attorney is looking at their cell phones," said Judge Wilson. 

Deputy Public Defender Ben McLaughlin tried to explain what he was doing. "I was being generous to give you the designation as millenial, Mr. McLaughlin," said Judge Wilson.

As laughter erupted, Deputy District Attorney Candace Myers, walked in court to appear on the case instead of Zoom. She apologized, "the internet went out."

This kind of lighthearted exchange occured before COVID 19 but this is the kind of interaction and human interaction that court livestream doesn't allow. Local attorneys are always on their cell phones in the courts.

Hopefully, courts will be open to media and public soon. For seven years, the second floor and the courthouse is where I spent a lot of time. 

The lack of access has impacted people personally and professionally.