I am going to refrain from any comment about Dr. Glass as I am not a professional body language expert. Whether or not I disagree with her will make no difference as I am not considered to be her "peer" That said, I will share some of my thoughts on the body language of KC and others in the courtroom.
KC's Attire and "Style":
Much has been made of KC's long hair and the reason behind her growing it, the way she styles it, and how she touches it.
I think many people forget that all of these hearings offer an opportunity for the defense team to gain critical feedback that will assist them in making wardrobe choices for trial.
One of the things that is most important to the defense is to have KC appear as different from how she did when Caylee was killed as possible. Should the party photos come into play, the short sassy bob v. long flowing tresses will go a long way in demonstrating the dichotomy between who KC was and who she is now.
The infamous low cut blue club dress, and table top dancing couldn't be further from the KC we see in court now dressed in wrinkled, non-professional attire. Baggy sweaters , form fitting sweaters, puffy sleeves, fitted sleeves, long sleeves, short sleeves, jacket, no jacket, red, orange, blue, white, purple, stripes, solids.......they are all being "tested" in the media.
We know the defense reads this site and others because it seems at times that they do take into consideration comments made outside the media reports. Some good, some bad, but all in all they respond.
So...IMO....I just don't put any thought into KC's "look" other than when I comment that it is a fail or that she looks pretty. I don't get mad about what she is wearing because I realize what is going on and move along. That said...
KC the Fast and Furious Stenographer:
The old school stenography going on at that table is nothing short of amazing. My hand would give out by page 3. I see a few things going on in relation to the tree slaughter...but again they are MOO.
One of the hardest things for KC (and her family) is to control her emotions and how she reacts to what is being said in court. Early on, we saw far more preening, rubbing, lick smacking, gazing around, and in essence movement.
KC has shown that she has a temper, she wants it her way, she has STRONG opinions, and likes to be in charge. None of those things play well to a jury. Granted there is no jury yet, but there is a Judge, several cameras, photographers, and a whole lot of people watching.
The closer we get to trial the more sensitive the information being discussed, and the more crucial that her "table manners" be on target. You can't do this overnight and so IMO.....KC has been instructed to write her feelings and thoughts in order to avoid blurting them out or reacting inappropriately.
By getting KC used to channeling this energy via her legal pad.....she will hopefully be ready for trial. This is "training".
Some people wonder what she could possibly be writing. At times, it could be anything from a commissary list to just gibberish. At other times however, she is likely listing statements made that she either disagrees with or remembers differently.
Many of us saw her lean into JB yesterday to confer while LDB was outlining the handcuff timeline. She had been making notes on her copy and IMO something struck her as wrong, off, out of order, etc.... It must have really made an impact because while JB had been dismissing her lately she made sure to get his attention.
KC's only job now is to be a part of her team and to aid in her defense. Her counsel has likely told her that she has to write everything and I mean everything. It would explain why JB seems to dismiss her when she attempts to get his attention verbally or physically.
When this case goes to trial, the jury will be watching her while they listen to the witness. If the jurors see a defendant grabbing, poking, and whispering to her attorney all the time they are going to make judgements based on that behavior and not so much the evidence.
I don't see JB's dismissive behavior as much dismissive as trying to remind her. As much as she chats with him.....we know it can't all be THAT important. If it is that important...she knows to tell CM.
So....IMO....we don't need to watch how she reacts with JB as much as we need to pay more attention to how she engages with Cm and more importantly...how often.
Cheney "Perry" Mason :
CM has an impressive record. He irritates the heck out of me because I personally find him to be a chauvinist, and a bit too "old school"......BUT he is smart, and despite his selective hearing and garbled speech he is rather interesting.
CM plays to the jury....his "age" and "hearing or lack thereof" are tools he uses to disarm the juror. The ones that are not disarmed are the Judge and SAO. I wish that CM would present a more respectful tone when addressing the Judge and referring to LE, but I also know he stays "in character" regardless of it being a hearing or a trial.
CM is too old to learn new tricks. Let's face it, when he comments about new technology stuff, and quotes archaic case law, it is obvious he is never going to become a modern defense King. He is just too set in his ways to try to evolve.
Is sticking with "old school" a good or a bad thing? Well IMO CM is there for one reason only....OK maybe two.....to put his unique skill set to use in front of the jury, and to be the DP qualified counsel.
What CM lacks in current knowledge, JB can "look up mid hearing" on his fancy I-Pad. It's a team effort you know.
Don't Judge Me:
I don't think that I can say enough good things about Judge Belvin Perry. And you know what....the defense feels the same way. There is a separate thread about Judge Perry so I will reserve my comments to this.
Judge Perry is about the best there is when it comes to fair, impartial, and legally correct rulings. He knows what case law applies and what case law is a stretch. He spends his FREE time researching case law. He can quote it like he's reading the Exit sign over the door. He knows his "stuff".
Judge Perry is wise enough to recognize the "games" played by both sides. He reserves his opinion and maintains a straight face.
What I can see from his courtroom behavior (IMO) is that he has a very low tolerance for bashing LE (as his father was in LE) and for Wasting his time. Several times he crossed his arms while CM was conducting his filibuster closing. He is happy to hear each side, but he wants you to tell him what time it is not read the instructions for building the clock.
There is very little that Judge Perry doesn't already know and at times he does get tired of being "educated" by the first grade class.
I will be back later with my thoughts on the Anthony family and various courtroom "spectators" a little later today. I didn't intend for this to get so lengthy.
