Homeless Property Trial Started - Day 1

Court started today, with Judge Morrison England presiding. Mark Merin and Cathleen Williams are the attorneys that are representing the homeless Sacramentans bringing the case against the City of Sacramento for confiscating and destroying homeless people’s property. Connie Hopson and Linda McKinley will bring the case forward representing the homeless class. City Attorney Chance Trimm and Police Officer Mark Zoulas (aka Batman) sat at the defendants desk. The many witnesses had to leave the court room.



Cathleen Williams being interviewed by KCRA

Then the jury was selected pretty quickly. I heard Cathleen say later that the jury was “cool”. So we like the jury. And I noticed that the people I know that go to court often (attorneys, not criminals) would stand up as much for the Jury as they did for the Judge every time they enter or leave the room. What’s with that? I totally approve.

Witnesses, legal team and supporters went outdoors for lunch, sack lunches made by Tracie Rice-Bailey and Loaves & Fishes. Homeless witnesses have special needs, usually, such as transportation, breakfasts, lunches, and other needs that housed people may take for granted. The lunches were extremely necessary and appreciated.

Witnesses and supporters eating lunch outside Federal Building

Judge England read the joint statement about the case. Mark Merin presented opening statements, outlining to the jury what the case is about and a preview of the evidence and testimony that will be presented during the trial. He said that they will show the City not following the 4^th Amendment, that assures people are secure in their possessions and protected from search and seizures, and that possessions should be taken into custody like everyone else’s. Also, he pointed out the 14^th Amendment about due process and equal protection.

The City Attorney’s opening statements, of course, denied the allegations and mentioned that it is against the law to camp or store camping gear anywhere. I took many notes, but don’t feel like going through all that again right now.

After the last break, Cathleen called two witnesses, Marinthian Hunt and Linda McKinley. They both spoke of how long they were homeless, what brought them to become homeless, and their experiences with having their possessions taken and destroyed by the City Police.

This is just the first day of the trial that is expected to continue every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday for three weeks. Since the witnesses can’t sit in the audience until after they testify, there ended up being plenty of room in the audience. So, you are invited to come visit the trial in progress any time during the day. Bring ID. Its very interesting and I’m getting a great education.

KCRA coverage of today - http://www.kcra.com/news/27827874/detail.html

KCRA interview of Cathleen Williams - http://www.kcra.com/video/27829541/detail.html

Sacramento Bee coverage of today - http://www.sacbee.com/2011/05/09/3613565/jury-picked-in-homeless-camping.html

Well, I was the closest thing to a sketch artist, or even the closest
thing to a camera. No cameras aloud in the Federal Building. PL