Meet the Students of CGS: A Day in the Life of a Superior Court Intern
Each summer, College of General Studies students continue their learning by pursuing opportunities that stretch their skills and help them apply their education to real-world experiences. This series gives a glimpse into the summer jobs, fellowships, and internships of CGS students. Briana Lynam (CGS’16, CAS’18) is pursuing a major in political science with a minor in international relations. She describes her work as an intern for the Superior Court of New Jersey, working in the Sussex Family Division of the court.
How did you find this internship and what drew you to it?
There was something about working in a court atmosphere that sparked my interest in applying. I was expecting to be overwhelmed by such a dramatic atmosphere, but it’s nothing like what you see on television. The judge is always in control. I came across it while searching government websites on how to get involved around my hometown. The Superior Court of New Jersey seemed like an exciting opportunity, one where I needed to be aware of the difficult cases that may come in. Since this was the domestic violence division many of the stories are hard to hear, but it only makes it more important to listen and help those who require an immediate solution. I am grateful that there are options through the judicial system to protect men, women, and children from all backgrounds from abusers. I’m also grateful I had even a small part in helping them get the protection they need.
How does this internship fit into your interests and your future plans?
My future plans revolve around helping people and working one on one between them and the government. Being able to work in this kind of atmosphere now will be beneficial throughout my career. I have many political interests, both domestically and internationally, and hope to be able to pursue both.
Tell us more about how the court works and about the people you work with.
I begin each court day bright and early because have mercy on those who are late to court! The judge runs on a strict time schedule and any delay is strongly discouraged. There are so many cases to hear during the day, split into morning session from around 9:00am to 12:30, then 1:30 to 4:30. The court calendar, as it is called, is always packed and court staff does their best to let each case be heard in its entirety. A new court year begins every July 1st, so there is a strong push to hear and settle each case in the calendar year that it was first filed. Courts can be penalized for not clearing their calendar each year, so time is of the essence during each session.
I have been amazed by my coworkers’ strength and determination in a difficult field. In domestic violence there is so much hurt but it is important to sift through facts and events, even where pain is involved, to get to the truth. Then safety measures can be put in place that save lives. Court day is a taxing one for me, but it is nothing compared to what these families deal with on a daily basis, so I count my blessings and try to help as best I can.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I organize, photocopy, and deliver paperwork to both plaintiff, defendant, and their respective counsel in each case after the judge makes their order. Then I perform other administrative tasks as needed of me. Sometimes a case is dismissed if there is not enough evidence that an act of domestic violence was committed. Other times the judge rules in favor of the plaintiff that there was domestic violence. A final restraining order is put in place, and the sheriff’s department steps in to handle the rest. I’ve seen upwards of 15 cases heard during the court day, and it can get fairly hectic, but I have enjoyed the experience I received from this internship. This experience drives me to continue working hard in the political science field, and find more ways to help people.