A Day in the Court

[H2O Man]

8. Thanks.

You raise important points. We have an imperfect justice system. And some people are confident of their ability to manipulate it. I think that the thug's experience as a NYC police officer, and then a campus security and eventually a guard at the county jail, created a false sense of "knowing how the system works, and can be worked." At this point, he must be somewhat aware that the system poses a very real threat to him. And, as sociopaths are prone to do, he is going to try to lie his way out of this tomorrow on the witness stand.

Regarding eye contact: he and I have had a few "stare-downs." I have had practice in this. For many years, as a psychological social worker, I focused on forensics. In that time, I encountered a few true sociopaths -- and I don't use that term lightly, or intending the current, common (mis-)usage of the word. There were times when prolonged eye contact became sort of a contest, on some level.

As a youngster and young man, I competed in the sport of boxing. I had 329 fights. And I was good enough to be featured in a boxing magazine at the age of 13. During what is known as the "referee's instructions" -- and at other related times -- I had plenty of opportunity to master the old stare-down. So I am glad that you mentioned this.