THE PUBLIC MIND: MAN QUESTIONS CITY HALL JUSTICE

Dear Editor:

I have a few questions about how city court is run in Cape Girardeau. I had to appear in city court recently on two charges of harassing phone calls. As I do not live in Cape I brought along my long distant phone bill charges for the times in question thinking this would clear the matter up.

Was I in for a surprise! Before my case was called before the judge, the assistance city attorney called me into the hallway of the court and told me if I would plead guilty to one charge he would drop the other charge and reduce my fine to $25 and cost. If not I would be fined $50 on each charge and get 15 days in jail.

Of course I took his offer, what choice did I have? What person in their right mind wouldn't to stay out of jail? I took this as a threat to what would happen to me if I plead not guilty. Why did the city attorney do me such a great favor if he had such a great case? Why did I have to be intimidated first? Who appointed the city attorney the judge who sets the fines and punishment before a person has a say in court?

Mind you, I could have had my say but I would have been a damn fool if I tried. If this is justice I want no part of it any more.

Thank you,

Stephen R. Hawkins

Morley, Mo.