Northern California Court Supporters Fight Back

From the Judge to the attorneys and public defenders, on down to the court reporters and bailiffs, the reality begins to spread in the courthouse that their is a large gathering of dedicated people supporting defendants in medical marijuana cases.

(SACRAMENTO, CA) - Recently in Northern California a new breed of activist has been born. They call themselves court supporters and most of them belong to a organization called The Human Solution or (THS).

These upstanding citizens take time out of their daily lives to join medical marijuana patients at their criminal court hearings. Most supporters are medical marijuana patients who are tired of seeing the justice system railroad their fellow sick patients by prosecuting them unjustly.

Some are not medical marijuana patients at all, but support the fight for justice against what they consider to be a failed drug policy in the northern part of California.

They come from all walks of life from college students, retiree's, professionals, and even ex-military members. Some travel over 3 hours to show support and solidarity to the ones facing the justice systems harsh penalties. Oftentimes 30 or more supporters have shown their support at court, and it makes a huge impact in the courtroom itself.

I can clearly remember during my own court battle when a public defender came into represent another case and saw all the medical marijuana supporters with their green ribbons.

On another occasion during my own trial another criminal attorney was in the courtroom with his client and asked the district attorney prosecuting me, "why are their so many people here, what kind of case is this"?

When the district attorney replied its a medical marijuana case, the criminal attorney laughed and said..."I hope you lose"!

In Butte County Daisy Bram, along with Tom and Donna Korby are fighting for justice.

In Tehama County Curtis Keaton, Daisy Bram, and Lance Stenhouse also battle for their rights.

In Sacramento County Shelby Lucero is also pushing back against a raid on her legal collective.

Most criminal defendants in the justice system show up to court alone and the power of the justice system is extremely daunting to the average citizen. Imagine now that you are not alone in your fight, furthermore you have twenty or more people walking into court with you, supporting you and examining your case for falsehoods to expose.

The power of your court supporters now outweighs any fear of their corrupt justice system, in the end you see the inequities of judge, the sham of the prosecution, and the weight of the law has no power over you. As a growing community that is gaining momentum, court supporters are truly answering the call to act for the greater good of us all.

Being selfless in their fight for equality and justice is the most admirable trait they all share. Nothing can stop this multiplying facet of activism, it's more than a rally, or a protest march. This form of activism is a dedication to others and to assisting the falsely accused to secure their freedom by supporting them when their alone.

After all it is the citizens of our society who give the law it's power, so when the people oppose the law, then the law itself is without power over its people.

Eric Salerno is a Salem-News.com writer from Butte County, California. His background is with State and Federal Agencies assisting in recovery efforts in disaster stricken states.

In 2008 he began advocating for medical marijuana in his home state. This journey began after the supervisors in his district of Butte County enacted a moratorium on legal Prop. 215 patients rights to access and grow their own medicine. He was one of only 10 people to show up at the meeting and voice his concerns with their actions.

That year a coalition of mores than 300 residents was formed and a Vote NO on measure A campaign began. These residents of Butte County united to stop the interference of the county.

This campaign was successful with a large voter drive initiative and media campaign securing 55% of the voters saying NO on measure A.

Today Eric works endlessly from Southern California to Northern California advising and implementing political tactics, to ensure every Californian has the right to access legal safe medicine under the law.