Narrative Report Analysis - Essay Example

Student Name: Lawrenta.
Case Name: The State of Washington v Mark Henderson.
Court Docket Number: CASE No. 14-l-00422-9 SEA.
Case Type: Domestic Violence.
Citation: RCW 10.99.020.
Court: Superior Court of Washington for King County.
Address of the Court: Criminal Division, W554 King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Seattle, WA.
Date Turned In 5/16/2014.
Date / Time of Observation: Friday, May 16 2014 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.
Presiding Judge: Hon. Timothy A. Bradshaw.
Assistant District Attorney: Daniel T Satterberg.
Defense Attorney: Counsel Kurt Boehl.
Charges: The crimes of assault in the second degree – domestic violence, assault in the third degree – domestic violence.

I attended the trial of Mark Henderson on 16th May 2014 from 1-30 PM to 2-30 PM in the Superior Court of Washington for King County. Upon entering the courtroom, I perceived that there were many spectators, court staff and attorneys at that place. The courtroom was densely packed with people everywhere. I sat at the back of the courtroom, intended for spectators. From this place, I could observe the judge and counsel. I had observed that the prosecutor, as well as the defence counsel, were eagerly awaiting their turn for submitting their representations. They appeared very confident. At that juncture, a court clerk announced that the Henderson case was to be taken up for hearing.

The brief facts of the case are given hereunder. Mark Henderson had been informed by his daughter, Selena Henderson’s school that she had been posting obscene items on social media. Mark warned her and asked her to desist from doing so. His admonition did not affect Selena, and the school once again reported similar behaviour on her part to Mark.

The infuriated Mark accosted her and gave her a sound thrashing. While doing so, he became enraged to the extent that he commenced to strangle her. This was witnessed by his wife and his son. However, his wife stopped him from strangling her.

Daniel T Satterberg, the Prosecuting Attorney for King County had accused Mark Henderson of the crimes of assault in the second degree – domestic violence, and assault in the third degree – domestic violence. These were based on the same sequence of acts or conduct that were interrelated or formed the components of a common plan. These were assault in the second degree – of domestic violence, and assault in the third degree – of domestic violence.

He further stated that the defendant Mark Henderson, in King County, Washington, on 23 January 2014 had assaulted Yvonne Henderson by choking her. This was contrary to RCW 9A36.021(1)(9) and against the dignity and peace of the State of Washington.

Satterberg further accused Mark Henderson of having committed this crime against a member of his household, thereby engaging in the crime of domestic violence, as described under RCW 10.99.020.

This was the background of the case that I attended on 16 May 2014, between 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.

In the courtroom, the pressing judge, Timothy A Bradshaw, exhibited adequate control. He ensured that the proceedings continued without any interruptions. His speech was distinct, precise and clear. As a result, he was unmistakably audible to all the people present in the courtroom.

This impressive judge did not mince matters and endeavoured to have a meticulous procedure in place. He was intolerant of even the slightest deviation from established procedures. As a result, the attorneys, prosecutors, court clerks, and other concerned individuals had to function optimally.

The defendant Henderson pleaded guilty concerning the charges framed against him. Specifically, he conceded in writing that he had beaten a household member, namely his daughter. The date for sentencing had been set by the court as 16 May 2014. The time of sentencing was declared as 1:00 PM on this day.

However, the presiding judge determined that there was a considerable disconnect between the evidence submitted in the plea bargain by the prosecution and the defendant’s statements. Accordingly, the matter was posted on 20 June 2014 at 1: 00 PM.