Silver Linings are Free

Today was our big field trip to the District Court of the Southern District of New York. We had to dress up a little nicer than we normally do, and before I knew it we were off on the 1 train heading to Chambers Street. The court was just a few blocks away and we slowly filed through the security checks to silently tip toe our way into the court room. When we got inside the case had already started and witnesses were in the process of being interviewed. We had absolutely no clue what was going on, but we figured it had something to do with financial crimes. Thankfully there was a 10 minute recess where Luke explained that the defendant was on trial for mortgage fraud (exciting right?). Right when the case started to get interesting, and fraudulent documents started being presented, the prosecuting team discovered they were missing a witness and things got awkward. The judge scolded them before the jury because they had no back up plans and warned them never to do anything like that again in her court room. The court then began its 2 hour break 20 minutes early, and we had to leave the court earlier than expected. Nonetheless the case was still interesting, and it was fun seeing the law and the due process procedure being put into action. Our teacher Luke is very fun to approach and talk to about anything and it was nice getting to know him a bit better today. 

In the evening Margaret, Claire, and myself headed over to a free riverside showing of Silver Linings Playbook. The movie was fantastic, despite the vocal intoxicated women behind us and the constant wafting of marijuana smell through the wind. I am so glad I was able to see the movie, it was on my list of things to see. The best part was it was free, and the hundreds of people in the park enjoying the movie all clapped at the end. My wonderful day hit a halt when we entered the subway on the way back. Never have I been so uncomfortable and disgusted in my life. With all our luck we entered the one car that was not air conditioned. The more people who piled in, the hotter it seemed to get. The train reeked of sweat and people who have been out all day, and every stop we came to more people got in than out. I felt like I was in the movie Airplane! where the main character (comically) sweats so much he becomes soaked. Except in my case it was not comical. Thankfully the trip did eventually end and I was able to enjoy the cool and lovely 85 degree and humid outside air. If there is one thing I will never miss in NYC, it will be the subway.