Feeling no love in the 5th Circuit either_an attempt to observe foreclosure hearings in Lake County Florida

Our rights are non-negotiable... either we have them or we don't. Are these hearings truly open to the public?

*June 14th 2010, 10:45am

I Just called the 5th Circuit (circuit5.org) to try and get in and observe f/c hearings as part of a project I'm working on for my business law course.

it felt really awkward>> like this – her; “do you know what happens in f/c cases - they're over in 2 minutes - what else is there to see?”

Me; “well... am I able to sit and watch?”

Her; “why - what's the point - they're over in 2 minutes - do you even know what happens in these hearings?”

Me thinking out loud: “GREAT - A friend of mine went in for hearing in the 5th on motion and the Judge was already on the phone w/pleasantries and all w/Plaintiff's Atty. This warm & fuzzy phone-a-thon type f/c environment in chambers does not require approval to observe… does it?”

Anyone else feel like observing f/c cases in CITRUS, HERNANDO, LAKE, MARION or SUMTER COUNTY? http://www.circuit5.org/

Also there is no public access to court calendar either, you don't know how many cases are being held, what judges are hearing them, case numbers... nothing.

*I guess you have to call in advance for permission to observe.
Administrative Judge for Lake County Don F. Briggs
Judicial Assistant: Robin Romano
Office:-(352) 742-4224
Fax:-(352) 742-4225

Robin - "Why bother sir... they are over in 2 minutes"