Posted on 08/10/2009 2:46:46 PM PDT by chevydude26
Clifton Williams arrived at the Will County Courthouse in Joliet and sat in the fourth-floor courtroom where his cousin was pleading guilty to a felony drug charge.
As Circuit Judge Daniel Rozak handed down the cousin's sentence -- 2 years' probation -- Williams, 33, stretched and let out a very ill-timed yawn.
Williams' sentence? Six months in jail -- the maximum penalty for criminal contempt without a jury trial. The Richton Park man was locked up July 23 and will serve at least 21 days.
"I was flabbergasted because I didn't realize a judge could do that," said Williams' father, Clifton Williams Sr. "It seems to me like a yawn is an involuntary action."
(Excerpt) Read more at chicagotribune.com ...
Chicago.
Need one say more?
nuff said, move on.
So the judge attacks the DISPLAY of contempt, but not the underlying cause; the judge handing out ‘2 years probation’ on a felony charge.
Only 2 years probation. Seems like the yawn was justified. Not Guilty on the yawn!
It was an “un-American” yawn.
Judges, like politicians, have gotten too much power.
Ridiculous. I can understand sentencing someone for cursing at the judge. But not for yawning.
Circuit Judge Daniel Rozak is a 1st class jerk off. When he acts like this, it’s no wonder he gets no respect.
If the judge perceives that you have shown some sort of disrespect, you may disappear into the lockup and never be seen or heard from again.
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