MSNBC Investigates: Night Court

For many the courtroom brings to mind big cases like the OJ Simpson murder trial. But if you find yourself facing the bench, chances are you'll see a different side of the justice system. Traffic violations, petty crimes, and misdemeanors fill the calendars of most courtrooms, and very often, for convenience, these cases are heard at night. In MSNBC Investigates: Night Court, we'll take a look at the everyday mechanics of the justice system through the eyes of the defendants and court officers of Seattle's night court. It's a system designed for efficiency. Almost all agree that its quick, but is it fair? We'll meet Donald Doble a 36-year old Seattle native, who has been "trapped" in the system since he was 18-years old, and 23 year old prostitute Michelle Thompson, who has a troubling habit of using her best friends name when arrested. We'll catch up with a defendant who had a bruising run in with the police, and a colorful 19 year old who lives on the streets of Seattle. And we'll follow Judge Hurtado as he takes us to the "soul of Seattle" to shop for polyester ties (the uglier the better) at his favorite place, the Goodwill store.

Categories: Documentary , Unscripted