Municipal courts are inherently unfair

Municipal courts and schools are a primary source of tax revenue for the municipal government. The problem is the municipal courts are structured in such a way to give preference to the testimony of the police.

First, municipal judges are hired by local politicians. The prospective municipal court judge may have worked on the election campaign for the hiring local politician prior to being appointed to the municipal court bench.

Second, the municipal courts are usually located in close physical proximity to the police department headquarters. Third, I believe municipal court judges give more weight to the testimony of a police officer when assessing credibility of witnesses.

Fourth, municipal court defendants are denied a trial by jury. This one really irks me! Historically, the original intention of denying us a right to a jury on trial of a petty offense was to obtain more convictions for tax revenue! Denying a trial by jury in trial of a petty offense amounts to shredding the Constitution. The 7th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution requires a jury trial of civil cases involving $20. Punishment from municipal conviction amounts to more than $20!

Do you still believe municipal courts are cost effective for the people?

Richard P. Zuckerman

North Brunswick