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Oh No You Didn't Just Call The Judge That

By John Mesirow

She did. She called the Judge an asshole! (Or, as reported at Ocala.com, "a two-syllable curse word?a crude term referring to the anus." Must be a "family" newspaper. Please.) Anyway, Ms. Sarah E. Muller was not pleased with Marion County [Florida] Judge R. James McCune Jr.'s denial of her request to be dismissed from jury duty. Twice. First, she cited her poor health, which the Judge rejected. Then, she said she was a racist, which the Judge also rejected. That's when she called the Judge an asshole, only he didn't quite hear it. So...

When the judge asked Muller to clarify her remark, [she] repeated it. He charged her on the spot with direct criminal contempt of the court ? a second-degree misdemeanor? and Muller was promptly handcuffed by a court bailiff and taken into custody.

Now Judge McCune was pissed.

?How in the world did you think that running your mouth in such a foul, profane way would be appropriate in court, of all places?? McCune asked Muller. ?Did it even dawn on you that you were already here and you might as well make the most of it??

Ms. Muller's reaction? Not a "crude term referring to the anus."

Muller apologized to the judge as tears streamed down her face. ?I?m very sorry for calling you that. I did not know it was illegal, and I did not mean to cause disrespect,? she said.

Muller added that cursing was ?a very bad habit? of hers and that she was feeling upset, sick, and very broke. ?I?m very poor, and I barely have any money at all,? she protested. ?I do not appear to be sick, but I am internally sick.?

Now you know the crime. The time? Three days in jail (plus $233.00 in court costs and fees). One final nugget from Ms. Muller:

?I didn?t know I would go to jail for freedom of speech.?

Zoinks! Here's the source (including photos). And if you like "contempt" stories, click here.

Full post as published by Legal Juice on January 24, 2010 (boomark / email).