In a room not accustomed to laughter, Milton Silva decided to break with tradition.
Silva stood in the big courtroom at the Fall River District Court, 45 Rock St., and recalled the day, 40 years ago, when he first sat at the judge’s desk.
During his 20 years as a judge, Silva became known as “Not Guilty Milty” because of his willingness to give the accused a generous benefit of the doubt.
Earning the name was hard work, Silva said.
“My first case in this room was a speeding violation,” Silva said. “The defendant pleaded guilty.
“I called his lawyer up. I said: ‘Tell him I can’t find him not guilty if he pleads guilty.’
“Judges know, you set the tone with your first case.”
Silva was one of several speakers at an informal gathering Friday held to mark the passing of the Fall River District Court at 45 Rock St.
That tired building was abandoned Friday. District [...]

Original post by Kevin P. Oâ