Judge apologizes for comments

Orlando Sentinel ^ | 1/29/04 | Rene Stutzman

[mylife]

SANFORD -- Circuit Judge Gene Stephenson on Thursday publicly apologized for insulting comments he made about a rape victim and removed himself from the case. "The remarks were inappropriate. It's something I've never done before and won't do again," Stephenson said. "I would just ask that she accept my apology. If she could find it in her heart to accept it, I'd appreciate it," the judge said

[mylife]

Bad Judge, Bad Judge, what ya gonna do when he talks about you?

[Paul Atreides]

If he'd told her to put some ice on it, he could be President, one day.....that is, if he is a Dim.

[Az Joe]

Good bye Judge, see ya at the old judge's home.

[EggsAckley]

Well, the source didn't publish a picture of the woman, but they did post one of the judge. Pot. Kettle. Black.

[NYC GOP Chick]

Not exactly a "day at the beach" himself, is he?

[ForOurFuture]

What a headline! Whatever editor decided on that monstrosity needs to return to Journalism 101.

[Dog Gone]

Still, he sentenced the defendant to a pretty stout sentence.

[xm177e2]

What a headline! Whatever editor decided on that monstrosity needs to return to Journalism 101.

That's not the original headline.

[ForOurFuture]

That's not the original headline.

Oh.

[Reaganwuzthebest]

Stephenson, 70, said he didn't remember making the comment, but he acknowledged the transcript and said he thinks he probably did utter those words.

Looks like this judge will be going into retirement soon.

[sarasmom]

Like that excuses him from anything?
I find it very interesting that many male "conservatives" think rape should be a misdemeaner charge.
No big deal huh?
It is only sex.
Sheesh-and they claim not to understand why the feminist faction exists!
i guess if all women wore burkas, we would not have this problem../sarcasm//

[Dog Gone]

Okay, he made a rude comment about someone's looks. Like that sort of thing is unusual.

If you're going to tell me that you've never done that, than I'm going to wonder if you're Jesus.

It was rude. He shouldn't have done it.

But how far do you want to take political correctness, anyway? Shall we not say anything about anyone that they might find offensive, even if it's not in their presence?

[LaraCroft]

Good thing the judge removed himself. Even with pleading guilty, the defendant would have been released by him for anguish at having to rape someone so ugly.

Is't it amazing how judges, like journalists can remain so unbiased?

[sarasmom]

Quit acting like a liberal!
A woman was raped.The rapist admitted to the crime.
The judge mouthed off about her sexual attractiveness,and basically said she was too ugly for a sane man to rape.
As if only the very pretty, young women get raped.
Nothing in his statements strike you as odd?

[ExpatCanuck]

Still, he sentenced the defendant to a pretty stout sentence.

Any smart attorney would appeal this sentence on the basis that the judge imposed a harsh sentence to compensate for his stupid remarks. If the judge has a previous history of stiff sentences, then it has a chance of holding up, but otherwise not.

[mylife]

original headline :

"Judge apologizes for comments A Seminole judge made a rude remark about the woman's appearance while discussing a sentence."

I had to chop it due to FR lenght restrictions for the title

[Dog Gone]

You're the one acting like a liberal. Quit being so politically correct.

The judge said something rude, but not in her presence. It was an offhand remark.

You want to crucify him.

He handed out a stiff sentence. Justice was done.

You're the one sounding like some shrill feminist.

[mylife]

I wish we could have sway over these pompous ass judges! we really need judicial reform.

I dont think the founders envisioned judges that dont take their own actions seriously

[mylife]

it was a "gateway" remark... :^)

[sarasmom]

Stop trying to equate the judge stating that the woman was "too ugly to rape", as if that is an acceptable legal statement.
The woman was raped.The rapist pled guilty.The judge claimed the rapist was stupid to rape such an ugly woman.
Anyone with a modicum of brains would guess that the "judge" would have cut the rapist more slack, if only the rapist had raped an attractive woman.
I refuse to wear a burka, just because you think you have the right to rape any female without one.