[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 76 (Thursday, June 5, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S5302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                A COMMONSENSE APPROACH IN THE COURTROOM

  Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I commend the work of Federal District 
Court Judge Richard Matsch, the judge in the Oklahoma City bombing case 
tried in Denver, CO, as well as the prosecution team led by Special 
Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph Hartzler.
  I do not want to do anything that might prejudice the legal process 
and sentencing phase of this trial. However, on behalf of all of 
Colorado, I would like to recognize the outstanding work done thus far.
  Prior to the trial, I took some time out and Judge Matsch took me 
through the Federal district court and explained to me the security 
measures that they had taken and explained to me how he wanted to 
proceed with the trial. I was very impressed with the forethought that 
had gone into making the proper setting for this very important trial 
in Denver, CO.
  I realize that the success of something like this is not one man. I 
realize that a lot of very dedicated people had a role in the progress 
of this particular trial. But I believe that Judge Matsch has 
distinguished himself as a jurist and deserves our praise for 
overseeing the proceedings in this very high-profile case which brought 
justice for the victims and survivors of the worst act of terrorism 
ever to hit U.S. soil.
  Confidence in our legal system has been renewed, thanks to the very 
tight ship run by Judge Matsch, who took a commonsense approach toward 
the courtroom. Judge Matsch appropriately protected the jurors in his 
courtroom from distraction and allowed the completely intact jury to 
reach a unanimous verdict in less than 6 weeks.
  Judge Matsch did a good job because he focused on what was important 
and not television reaction, prime-time interviews, or book deals. 
Instead, Judge Matsch focused on justice--justice for the victims of 
the bombing, justice for their survivors, and justice to the defendant.
  I hope that this commonsense approach is a model for future high-
profile cases, and that Judge Matsch does an equally fine job during 
the sentencing portion of this trial.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. GRAHAM addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Chair recognizes the Senator from Florida.

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