By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The Walpole Council on Aging (COA) presents an ongoing series throughout each month titled Coffee and Conversation Topics. At each event, light refreshments are served including coffee and cookies, while meaningful topics of conversation are shared.
Recently, the Walpole COA welcomed the Honorable Claudine A. Cloutier, Associate Justice of the Superior Court, to share her incredible experiences as well as the variety of challenging matters presented to the courts each day. This specific event revolves around March being Judicial Outreach Month in which judges engage with different communities across Massachusetts about their work and the utmost importance of an impartial and independent judiciary.
Throughout her discussion, Cloutier spoke about her day in the life as a judge, the importance of having an unbiased jury in court, interesting facts about her work, different laws found in the state of Massachusetts and so much more. She additionally took audience questions and provided fascinating answers to each.
Perhaps one of the most interesting questions that was asked of Cloutier was how the real life of a judge compares to those on television, like that of Judge Judy. “They are not very similar if I am being honest,” Cloutier stated, “but I suppose the legal issues and the factual issues that come up, those do come up in everyday court. I mean Judge Judy is dealing with things that aren’t necessarily Superior Court matters but may be common in district court, housing court, or small claims court. I will say that some of the behaviors are probably accurate. I don’t get to watch Judge Judy very often but I have seen it and I know what you are talking about. One of the things that I understand is that TV is entertainment but the way she speaks with people, I hope I never speak to people like that.”
She further indicated that, just like how it is seen on TV, officers can request search warrants at all hours of the night. Even when the courts close between 4:30/5 pm, there are then other judges who are on call and can issue time-sensitive warrants when needed.
Due to Cloutier's previous experience as a lawyer, prior to her time as a judge, she was able to answer any and all questions using both her past and current experiences within the law. The Murphy Room within the South Street Center was packed full with familiar faces and all those members who were extremely interested in this topic. Cloutier certainly did not disappoint and all were able to leave with a newfound appreciation for what judges do within our legal system.
