- Joined
- Jun 8, 2015
Because of this prima facie standard, preliminary hearings are the first chance to see the witnesses involved and often hear from the defendant -- and, as with the Nick Bate circus, are often very informative/fun to attend. By contrast, most subsequent proceedings don't involve many fireworks (almost all cases end in plea bargains and those negotiations take place behind the scenes).
I'll be there for August 10 and I would love to have any nearby Kiwis join me.![]()
Accordingly, a lot of prelims are waived, that is, the defendant agrees to go right to pleading/arraignment, especially if it's a minor offense (Petty vandalism, for example) and everyone is eager to just plea it out, pay the fines and get on with their lives. But, people like the Shaners/Chandlers of the world routinely turn it into a circus because they think they're in court, with a capital "C" and it's time to defend themselves from all the lies and slanders!!!