View from the bench: crowded courtroom

Bedford County's largest courtroom was once again filled to capacity Wednesday as a 108-page docket was before General Sessions Judge Charles Rich. Shelbyville Fire Marshal Brian Nicholson determined that the chambers have an occupancy load of 218, and court officers ordered those without business before the judge to wait outside. Yet, after this photo was taken, more defendants entered and took every available seat, also lining the walls. It took Rich over an hour to read the docket. Nicholson said last month that "dangerous overcrowding" had taken place in a small downstairs courtroom, prompting an evaluation of how many people can safely occupy court chambers.
(T-G Photo by Brian Mosely) [Order this photo]