Judge Orders Silence in Courtroom - With Duct Tape

[my2sense]

The unique confrontation played out in Municipal Court on Thursday and quickly became a topic of courthouse gossip. It was also recorded on the courtroom’s audio and video systems.

Belden was holding a preliminary hearing to see if there was sufficient evidence for Harry Brown’s case to be reviewed by a county grand jury.

Charged with robbery and obstructing official business, Brown, 51, of 529 Clarendon Ave. NW, is accused of fighting with Wal-Mart security officers who said they were trying to keep him from shoplifting at the Tuscarawas Street W store Aug. 20.

At the start of the hearing, Brown told Belden that he

wasn’t happy with his public defender, who he claimed hadn’t done enough work on the case.

Belden said he wasn’t going to appoint a different attorney. If Brown didn’t want the public defender, he could represent himself, although he would be a fool to do so, the judge said.

Brown and Belden went back and forth for about four minutes, at times talking over each other, until Belden told his bailiff, Jeffrey Smith, to get the duct tape.

“I’m gonna get some duct tape. If you keep interrupting me, I’m gonna have Mr. Smith put it over your mouth, OK?”

Brown said he would go back to the holding area for prisoners.

“No, you can’t go back there and sit. You’re staying right here,” Belden said.

Brown kept talking.

“All right, duct tape. Duct tape the defendant,” Belden said.

More here: http://www.cantonrep.com/communities/canton/x1886195990/Canton-judge-orders-silence-in-the-court-with-duct-tape?view=print

[ccharles000]

1. weird and wrong.

[mikelgb]

2. POS

[Clintonista2]

3. Isn't that assault?

[DefenseLawyer]

4. Shades of Judge Hoffman and Bobby Seale.

Another brilliant jurist.

[TexasObserver]

5. May I make a public service announcement regarding this?

First, set aside how you may feel about what I'm going to tell you. Accept that this is how it is, and if you want to find your court room experiences more pleasant, heed it.

Second, the court room is the judge's exclusive domain. He or she runs it. There are police or bailiffs ready to enforce their orders to seize, gag, hog tie, or otherwise subdue you.

Third, the judge does not have to let you speak, and does not have to put up with your outbursts. Talk all you want, but you're going to get body slammed for doing so when told repeatedly to stop it.

Fourth, don't interrupt the judge when the judge is talking. Ever. Answer questions resectfully. Don't get loud and animated. Be calm and take it down a notch. The power of your words can help, but being physically animated doesn't help you.

Fifth, don't call the judge names or personalize your argument. Argue against the prosecutor, or the police, or your mother, but don't make this about the judge or you'll lose.

Sixth, the point of being in court is to walk out, not be led out in cuffs still wearing an orange jump suit. It's not a public speech. It's not to set the record straight.


Whether you are there as a witness, a party, or a spectator, you should always be aware that your conduct can get you slapped in cuffs and led out any time you do anything the judge doesn't like. While many do not abuse this power, some do.