do judges read letters sent to them, and is it better to fax, mail or take them directly to the courtroom?

Answer 1

Judges read letters sent to them no matter how they are delivered. If your letter is in support of a person appearing before the judge, it would probably be better to make arrangements with that person's lawyer. The lawyer will want to review the letter before submitting it to the judge.

Answer 2

The answer depends on if you are talking about a letter which references an ongoing trial over which the judge is presiding, or if you're talking about a letter describing your latest vacation.

If it's the first, it's called ex-parte communications and if the judge reads it, he/she can be removed from the case for undue influence and face a supreme Court committe on ethics sanction.

Normally, when a judge receives any fax, letter or carrier pigeon while sitting on the bence, the secretary / clerk opens and decides what to do with the letter.

If it is regarding a case the judge is currently hearing, it goes in the trash.

Answer 3

Never fax a letter to a judge. If it is important, send it certified mail, signature requested. This was you are assured that it reached the judges clerk.

Answer 4

I'm not sure, but I believe that any information the judge is to consider for a case (such as sentencing) must be introduced by one of the attorneys involved. Call the Courthouse and ask the clerk if he will read it and what is the best procedure to follow.

Answer 5

all correspondence regarding a case will be read by the judge when given to him by the representative of the party concerned. Letters have to be of a formal standart and any information given in them must be directly related to the case.
If the letter is personal i assume that you could leave it with his secretary at his chambers.

Answer 6

Take them. Copies and faxes are questionable in some areas.