Pardoned 17-year Death Row prisoner and community organizer Aaron Patterson finally had his courtadte after weeks of changing dates. Patterson, who was arrested in early August, has yet to receive a bond hearing, and has remained in a municipal jail since his arrest without any conditions for release.

The District Court of Judge Pallmeyer in courtroom 2119 of the Federal Center at 219 S. Dearborn, was half filled with only about ten or so supporters. Entrance into the courtroom required a second screening in which law enforcement agents photocopied picture IDs, searched bags and visitors were required to go through a second metal detector. This second screening process, in addition to the standard one in the lobby, was set up directly outside of the courtroom just as it had been in Patterson's last courtdate.

While most of Patterson's supporters had been told to arrive at 9:30am, court began in session promptly at 9am and Patterson was in and out of court before the announced time. A larger group of supporters were waiting outside, including Islamic ministers, members of the New Black Panther Party, community activists, and others. Patterson's courtdate had been changed from Ctober 9th to the 12th and then finally to the 19th in recent weeks.

The actual courtdate was inconclusive, as the defense filed motions required prior to discovery, although there was no mention of bond according to supporters. At one point, Patterson whispered to one of his lawyers, and they filed a motion calling the ordeal a 'vindictive prosecution.' Patterson's next courtdate is to be in the same courtroom.

Rm. 2119
Federal Center
219 S Dearborn
9:00am December 6

Patterson, visibly exhausted and somewhat disappointed in the low turn-out, appeared to be in fair health, and even managed to raise his fist a few times at supporters, some of whom have been visiting him on different occasions.