While cleaning out old files preparatory to another move, I ran across a certified transcript of a criminal proceeding--an arraignment, at which the defendant is advised of the charges and enters a plea(usually "not guilty"). I am omitting the names and deleting unnecessary material.
People of the State of Illinois v. {Defendant A} and {Defendant B}
ARRAIGNMENTS
October 30, 1981
******
THE COURT: How do you plead, {Defendant A}?
DEFENDANT A: Not guilty.
THE COURT: {Defendant B}?
DEFENDANT B: I plead possession of a demon.
THE COURT: You what?
DEFENSE ATTORNEY B: He said he pleads possession of a demon. I think he wants to enter a plea of not guilty.
THE COURT: You plead not guilty. The demon can enter any plea he wants. You represent them both?
*****
THE COURT: Public Defender represents you Mr {B}?
DEFENDANT B: I don't want no lawyer.
THE COURT: You got one anyway, it's free. We get a lot of things in life we don't want, one of them is a lawyer.
COURT ADJOURNED
People of the State of Illinois v. {Defendant A} and {Defendant B}
ARRAIGNMENTS
October 30, 1981
******
THE COURT: How do you plead, {Defendant A}?
DEFENDANT A: Not guilty.
THE COURT: {Defendant B}?
DEFENDANT B: I plead possession of a demon.
THE COURT: You what?
DEFENSE ATTORNEY B: He said he pleads possession of a demon. I think he wants to enter a plea of not guilty.
THE COURT: You plead not guilty. The demon can enter any plea he wants. You represent them both?
*****
THE COURT: Public Defender represents you Mr {B}?
DEFENDANT B: I don't want no lawyer.
THE COURT: You got one anyway, it's free. We get a lot of things in life we don't want, one of them is a lawyer.
COURT ADJOURNED
