Aaron Sorkin gets an A+ for "The Newsroom" and Fourth Estate critics get an F- for journalism.

Aaron Sorkin is an oscar-winning screenwriter with a long list of successful and entertaining creations.  As a former Navy JAG attorney assigned to duty with the Marine Corps, I thoroughly enjoyed his early masterpiece, "A Few Good Men."  (Kudos to his sister who joined the JAG Corps after graduating from law school, and was the inspiration for the story.)  So why have some members of the Fourth Estate been so harsh in their reviews of "The Newsroom"?  It is alarming to think that journalists, who consider themselves to be authoritative, cannot discern entertainment from reality.  Are there journalists who really think that the practice of law is accurately portrayed in television programs like "The Good Wife" or "Suits"?  Story lines in legal dramas would, in many cases, result in disbarment in the real world instead of courtroom victory.   Television dramas are not Reality TV!  They are entertainment, and Sorkin's news media drama is indeed refreshing entertainment.  If you want to experience exceptional writing and outstanding acting, tune into "The Newsroom" (and tune out the misguided critics from the Fourth Estate who seem to be unable to leave work at the office and have a good time).  John Greanias, Copyright 2013.

Judge John Greanias Retirement Ends Family's 62 Year Run in Judiciary

Gus Greanias, Basil Greanias and John Greanias.  Beginning in 1946 and ending in 2008, a family of attorneys elected to serve the community in Macon County, Illinois.
http://herald-review.com/news/local/judge-greanias-retirement-ends-family-s--year-run-in/article_9bd5fec9-8078-53c9-8253-1d8fea215f01.html

A Real CSI Drama

Most criminal trials are routine.  However, sometimes a trial involves all of the forensic science displayed in fictional television dramas. The murder of  Karyn Slover is one of those cases.  The investigation and trial are the subject of two television docudramas.
http://www.trutv.com/library/crime/notorious_murders/classics/mbb204_karyn_slover/11.html

"Judge" Dick Smothers and John Greanias

Singer, actor, comedian Dick Smothers put on a judicial robe and took the bench in the courtroom of John Greanias for the filming of The Informant!.

Judge John Greanias and Matt Damon

Does this courtroom look familiar?  The Informant! starring Matt Damon was filmed in the courtroom of Judge John Greanias in 2008.  Matt Damon was nominated for a Best Actor award by the Screen Actors Guild for his performance in the film.

Greanias Proposes Full Time Public Defender Office

I am pleased to report that Macon County, Illinois now has a full time public defender office.  It is located in the courthouse for the convenience of public defender attorneys, staff, and clients.  This is a significant enhancement of service for indigent litigants.  The link below discusses the original proposal by Judge John Greanias.
http://herald-review.com/news/local/greanias-proposes-full-time-public-defenders-office/article_55e8a931-5786-52db-a77f-a264a8d4793b.html

Equal Justice For Self-Represented Persons In Court

Appearing in court without an attorney is now a common occurrence.  The reasons for the increase in self-representation include: high cost of attorney fees, expanded laws for protection of personal rights (orders of protection, child support, child custody), and a society more prone to litigation.  Courts are playing catch-up to make courtrooms friendly to self-represented litigants.  The link below discusses Judge John Greanias and the equal access opportunities developed for Macon County, Illinois.
http://www.equaljusticeillinois.org/docs/nl/newsletter_spring07.pdf