Why I Will Never Be A Litigation Paralegal
Four hours in King County Superior Court ... where I observed arraignments for child molestation and rape and a murder trial.
These processes stabilize our society and enable the clean, pleasant lives most of us live ...
but implementing those necessary processes is not how I would want to spend my days.
I felt kind of sick afterwards ... still do.
illustration: Dali Goddess of Justice
posted by mireille at 6:57 PM
10 Comments:
I hear ya. I used to do criminal investigations when I was in the navy, and it often made me sick to my stomach.
7:39 PM
I can understand that reaction, mine would be the same I suspect.
10:52 PM
oh god, sounds awful
p.s. i'm still up for our once-considered dominatrix double act if you're still interested
:)
2:28 AM
UC: yeah, we gotta work on that. Heh. xoxo
5:34 AM
My husband was a social worker in Los Angeles County long ago. He had a special case load called "Neglect." All of his cases were families that either neglected their children or out right abused them. I didn't understand at the time how he could bear it. But I understand now. It has to be done by someone. But I'm with you. I has to be done by someone other than me.
6:50 AM
To be able to bear it, I expect you have to keep on telling yourself you're doing good, helping people in need, even if it means dealing with the seediest side of human nature. I admire those who take on such a burden. Justice must always be worth striving for, mustn't it?
7:43 AM
I had a customer once who turned out to be a very good acquaintance to go out for coffee with, and he used to be a parole officer. Hearing his stories was fascinating, but all of them were either disturbing, saddening, or both. The way he coped was by taking extended breaks from that job, and for him, he got much comfort out of the fact that he was serving the community in a way not many people could handle doing. He also made mention of the fact that many of his clients were extremely mentally ill, and many of them needed help and reminders to take their medications and do even the simple things like basic grooming and cleaning. The way he looked at it was that he was for whatever reason, blessed with an ability to compartmentalize and process these experiences to, and by doing his job he felt a huge sense of relief that he personally was doing something to make his family and the world just a little safer. What I got from it was that I don't think I could be emotionally or mentally well for very long if I ever took a job dealing with society's dark issues, and I sympahtize entirely with you about not wanting to spend your days doing that. Thank god there are some brave souls who can handle it.
3:40 PM
I understand your reaction M. I remember my summer job in University. Working for 'disadvantaged' teens at a community center. That job was timely. Taught me that I could never work in the field of social work or community aid without losing my mind and damaging my soul. I admire the people that can do it. Because you're right, it has to be done.
xox
L
4:42 PM
I would too. I see bits and pieces of it as a teacher, and from what little I'm exposed to, I know it would make me terribly ill.
7:30 PM
It's Saturday! A bright, shiny new day to live in.
Erase those old thoughts and come on back.
8:43 AM
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