Home -> Law Blog Directory -> Criminal Law Blogs -> Law Of Criminal Defense

Criminal Law

: Law Of Criminal Defense

Giving the finger to a judge is contempt

By John Wesley Hall, Jr.

Lawyer's conviction for giving the finger to a judge was affirmed. State v. Rogers, No. 26969 (Tenn. App. September 29, 2008): In this case, the facts are not essentially in dispute. The defendant reacted angrily to the Court’s proceeding with its recess by throwing his file. He also made a vulgar gesture and made obscene comments at the Judge’s back. The defendant also admits this behavior occurred. Such behavior by an officer of the court clearly offends the dignity and authority of the court, and can be said to embarrass the court in its administration of justice. Nor does the fact the Court called a recess and the Judge was leaving the bench when the conduct occurred, render the behavior excusable. The Supreme Court has made clear that even conduct which occurs outside a judicial proceeding can be actionable...continue to full post

Full post as published by Law Of Criminal Defense on October 04, 2008 (boomark / email).