Posted on 12/06/2008 10:58:49 AM PST by andrew roman
Depending on where you land on this issue, this is either a judge who is abusing power by miscarrying justice, or he is a judge who absolutely rules (both figuratively and literally).
I could venture out on a limb and say that opinions here probably - I say probably - break along political lines in principal.
However, in this case, I think the debate should rightly focus on degree.
It is certainly up for debate.
Either way, this is one jurist who really doesn't take a lot of (expletive) in his courtroom.
He's not quite a hanging judge, but close enough.
Ohio Judge Robert Ruehlman, for the second time in as many days, has thrown the book at someone for swearing in his courtroom.
From Cincinnati.com:
It was an accused gang member Wednesday. On Thursday, it was a private attorney in a non-criminal case.
(Michael) Brautigam, who is an attorney but isn't licensed in Ohio, asked Ruehlman for more time to file documents. Ruehlman gave it to him. As (Peter) Koenig (Cincinnati attorney) and Brautigam turned to walk away from the judge, Brautigam called Koenig "a (bleeping) liar."
"He used the famous F-word," Koenig said. "(Ruehlman) asked Mr. Brautigam if he said that."
Brautigam admitted he had and had directed it at Koenig.
Ruehlman cited Brautigam for contempt and sent him to jail for six months.
Six months!
Holy steel tomatoes, Batman!
Just the day before, Jamel Sechrest, member of a street gang known as the "Taliband," got six months for a double cuss in Ruehlman's court.
My Lord ... I'm afraid to find out what happens if you break wind in his presence. A weekend at hard labor? Nipple electrodes?
"Judge Ruehlman absolutely did the right thing by attempting to maintain order, civility and decorum in his courtroom. Attorney Brautigam has been discourteous and disrespectful to judges, lawyers and litigants in our community on more than one occasion," Koenig said.
Opinions run the gamut here, as some of the comments from Cincinnati.com readers suggest:
Opinions out there?- How can any one with an ounce of common sense agree with this? What fair about causing a man to lose pay and possibly his home because he's "doing time" for using the "F" word in court, while talking to and about another attorney? ... He has prove (sic) that intellegence (sic) is not a prerequisite to being a Judge. He has brought shame to this "profession". Shame on you Judge Foolishman.
- This judge absolutely rocks! So many people, from gang losers to lawyers, and so on, have no respect for anything or anyone anymore. Yeah, 6 months may be extreme, but at least he has the resolve and balls to do something about it in this PC, bleeding heart, excusxe riddin, no-accountability society! Keep on keepin on judge!!
Anyone who stands up for steadfast societal standards and is willing to defend those values - including not tolerating inappropriate language - gets a great big arm-waving "woo hoo" from me.
I'm not exactly sure half-a-year is the right punishment for an F-bomb, but I love this judge's style a whole hell of alot.
Dammit, I meant heck of alot.
Damn, I meant darn it.
_
Well, he ~did~ warn them....:)
I think the judge is right on.
Cursing in the court IS disrespectful.
Re: “Please do not swear!”
Soooo, what happens if you say “No!” when the bailiff asks: “Do you swear to tell the truth...?”
The judge might ask you to affirm instead.
Six months for swearing is cruel and unusual. Put him in jail for gang activity.
I’ve long believed that cursing is a crutch of a conversational cripple.
The judge warned. The curser should have taken personal responsibility and respect for the court more seriously. There are consequences to ill behavior.
And at that point, we probably won't be hearing about these "terrible" six month sentences any more.
The charge was contempt of court....not cussing. Judges control their courts , gang banging punks or liberal arrogant idiots with no respect don’t. Judges are there as impartial individual that let you present your case and to attack them just makes it harder for the judge to do so. That is primary reason for your honor versus “f*cker” !
At least that is what Sit Rep told me .......:o)
I’m with the judge. Like the “president elect” says; words mean things.
“Just Damn...”
" ... the queen mother of dirty words. The f--- word ..."
Six months seems a bit excessive. A weekend would seem more appropriate.
In most of these cases, the judge lets them sweat for a while, and then gives one chance to make an abject apology.
lmao...
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