Interview Adrine Jason with Judge Debra Nelson

Introduction

This interview was conducted by Adrine Jason with Judge Debra Nelson. We discussed a variety of subjects ranging from Local, state and Federal Jurisdictional levels. We delved into key players of the court system. The interview also covers jurisdictional rules and interpretation issues, as well as evolving technologies on court proceedings at each level.

Interview

1. Adrine Jason: to my understanding there are two types of courts in this country, correct, Judge Nelson. Yes. You have the state courts and federal courts. Adrine Jason: And how would you describe each of the features that each of these courts have?

Judge Nelson: They are a dual court, the Missouri Supreme Court reviews the decision for the state trial and appellate courts but on the other hand the United States Supreme Court reviews the decisions of the federal and state trial and appellate court, now overseen a case out of The Missouri Supreme Court.

2. Adrine: Judge Nelson during the trail of George Zimmerman many felt that your aggressive outburst, merely represent an attempt to prejudice the jury against Mr. Zimmerman, was that true.

Judge Nelson: No its not, it was my job to make sure that no evidence would get dismissed or testimony would sway a attempt to sway any prejudice to the jury.

3. Adrine Jason: Is it true that the Municipal Court doesn’t have law clerks for the judges or did you have one

Judge Debra Nelson: How would you master an unfamiliar area of the law in a relatively short time? In no uncertain terms I’m the most experienced judge that ever applied for the position. I have experience in Tribal law, civil law, criminal law, administrative law. I have the most experience in enforcing the City Ordinances. However, I know there will be times when I am asked to decide a case unfamiliar to me.