and he made sure that he had their attention. He was also very gracious in excusing the four
alternates and thanking them for their service."
Several monitors also praised his "compassionate" treatment of defendants. One monitor
remarked, "I was especially impressed with his concern for defendants. He allowed one to utilize
a drug program instead of jail, [and] encouraged him to work hard." Another observer noted that
he "showed concern" for a mentally ill patient who came before him who had ceased taking his
medication. Yet another monitor observed that Judge Eidens was "attentive" to a defendant who
expressed some reservations about his legal representation. The monitor noted that "Judge
Eidens asked him some questions about this and whether he was comfortable with the public
defender" representing him that day. One monitor concluded, "He is really very fair and shows
great respect for those who appear before him, but is not afraid to bear down on people when
they need it."
The observers felt that Judge Eidens was —clear“ in his instructions and rulings. One
monitor praised the judge for his careful explanations to defendants, noting that —he did a good
job of making sure one defendant understood his rights when an interpreter was used.“ Another
found that he was "clear and concise" when giving instructions to the jurors.
In addition, monitors found that Judge Eidens ran his courtroom in an "efficient" manner.
One monitor wrote, —What impressed me in this brief observation was the way in which Judge
Eidens solved practical, technical problems to expedite the court activities.“ For instance, in one
case in which one of the lawyers said that she would have to return to her office to make copies
of a new agreement, Judge Eidens offered his computer and printer to save time. Another felt
that efficiency in the courtroom was aided by the "clear and calm" fashion that Judge Eidens
presided over the proceedings. Several monitors noted that although he did not appear to "rush"
through the cases, "did not delay" in moving to the next case after concluding a prior case.
According to the monitors, Judge Eidens also maintained order in his courtroom. One
monitor who described Judge Eidens as a "thoughtful considerate jurist" suggested that because
he "treats defendants with respect and courtesy" that he is given the same respect in return.
Another observer had a —strong sense that his direct and open communications contribute to the
order and respect in the court room.“
The monitors observed Judge Eidens taking notes on his personal computer during many
of the proceedings. While they understood that he was probably doing this to aid his own
recollection, a few of the monitors found it a bit —distracting.“ They expressed concern that the
judge might not always —face“ the jury, while taking notes. However, none of the monitors felt
that Judge Eidens was inattentive during the proceedings. In fact, several monitors noted that he
—listened intently" and was —knowledgeable“ about the cases.
Monitors expressed concern that Judge Eidens was the sole County Court Judge in
Schenectady County. One monitor questioned why a "swamped" Judge Eidens was the only
judge presiding in the Schenectady County Court. This monitor asked, "Why is there not 2
County Judges in this County?" Another monitor, who observed Judge Eidens on a late August