The atmosphere in the courtroom shifted as I took in the surroundings, anticipating what was to come. Every sound was intense, but none more so than the crisp, resonant strikes that followed. I heard the gavel bang three times before the judge,” each impact deep and deliberate, reinforcing the authority embodied in that single, powerful gesture.

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With each strike, the room felt smaller, almost as if we were being drawn into an unspoken pact of order and respect. The gavel’s echo wasn’t just about commanding silence; it conveyed an invisible but tangible line between the authority of the law and those subject to it.

The repetition the three deliberate bangs made it feel ritualistic, reminding everyone in the room that we were in a space governed by rules beyond our individual reach or influence. In that moment, the dynamics of the courtroom became vividly clear to me. The gavel was more than a tool; it was a symbol, almost ceremonial,  underscoring the weight of justice and the role of the judiciary in upholding it. Each strike seemed to echo with a warning: that the law operates within its own gravity, expecting reverence and imposing its own rhythm on all who enter.

“I hereby sentence you to life imprisonment"

Judge Greenwood’s voice rang out “I hereby sentence you to life imprisonment. He paused, his words hanging heavily in the air, casting a tense silence over the courtroom.

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On October 18, 2024, I stepped into the Indiana Statehouse, ready to immerse myself in the inner workings of America’s government at the state level. I toured the courtroom, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Governor's office, and various other vital offices responsible for keeping Indiana’s government running. It was my first time witnessing a live courtroom session, and the experience filled me with mixed emotions. Originally from suburban Lagos, Nigeria, I shadowed Emma, the intern leader, who gave me an in depth tour that expanded my view of governance.

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In the courtroom, I found myself reflecting on how authority and a system of checks and balances are essential for any country, company, or organization to function effectively. As someone who grew up with limited access to government buildings in Lagos, I was struck by the openness of the Indiana Statehouse and the ability to witness its judicial process so closely. My curiosity about America’s governance and its power structures motivated me to experience it firsthand, making this opportunity truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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I had the privilege of observing a criminal court proceeding. Watching the judicial process unfold including the conviction of a person for six murders and two attempted murders from as far back as 2018 left a lasting impression. The verdict of the judge rings deeply in my head

"I hereby sentence you to life imprisonment". 

" THE COURTROOM ITSELF STRUCK ME AS A BLEND OF OLD AND NEW ARCHITECTURE "

Picture of me in Indiana statehouse supreme Court

 Each floor in the Statehouse was well demarcated.

The courtrooms were all arranged along the central side of the building, almost like pieces in a puzzle. There were stones on the floor, each one marking significant moments in history, which added to the sense of tradition and purpose that filled the space. My primary focus was the courtroom, and my observations began at the entrance, which was heavily guarded. 

The courtroom itself struck me as a blend of the old and the new archictecture. It maintained what I would describe as an ancient architectural structure, but with modernized elements that brought it into the present. I noticed how the names of all the Chief Justices were engraved on the walls, which gave a sense of legacy and continuity. 

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Having lived my entire life in Africa, this experience felt foreign and strange, yet fascinating. I kept asking myself, "How does power and authority work in America?" The formality, the structure, and the layers of history all felt so different from what I had known, yet they sparked a deep curiosity within me. The experience was both enlightening and thought-provoking, offering me a glimpse into the foundations of governance in a new context.

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I anticipated gaining insight into America’s governance, but I didn’t expect the emotional and personal impact of being recognized in a courtroom or seeing justice unfold firsthand. 

.Attending the criminal court proceeding where the judge recognized me and brought me to the front. My favorite part of the immersion was when the judge called me up to the front of the courtroom.

As an immigrant, being welcomed into a foreign statehouse, regardless of my color or accent, was deeply moving. I felt tears welling up as I went around the Statehouse, reflecting on how much I had learned about the power system in Indiana. That moment of recognition by the Chief Judge was something I will never forget. I felt honored, motivated, and immersed in the trial—experiencing something I had never felt before.