[TexasGreg]

Don't yawn ... a power mad judge might find you in contempt of his court. Amazing! HOW did this guy's yawn, and then his truthfulness concerning it, in any way adversely effect the court proceedings? If anything, the judge only severely prejudiced the juror against the defendant in this case and caused the defense to use one of their precious strikes to get rid of him.

I'm tell you, the judges in this country are OUT OF CONTROL.

[Dallas59]

How many people would have gladly paid $1000 or $100 dollars to get out of jury duty?

[Vaquero]

I suppose the judge should be happy it wasnt loud snoring

[mcg1969]

There's yawning and there's yawning. Reading the article it sounds to me like the guy could have been particularly loud on purpose to register his, um, contempt for the court. I think you'd have to be there to pass full judgement.

[highnoon]

things you would like to say, but never would:

"Your boredom just cost you $1,000 I'm finding you in contempt," Veals said. "Are you quite so bored now?"

I'm truly sorry your honor, it's just that your daughter really wore me out last night!

[Kokojmudd]

Whatsamatta? Don't anybody have any regard for the rule of law? /sarcasm on

Too bad we have traded a republic for a judicial monarchy.

[Rembrandt_fan]

The article implied that the man yawned theatrically, more as a display than a genuine show of fatigue. My father (now passed on), a hard-headed, no-nonsense superior court and juvenile county judge, would probably have admonished the juror, too--although I don't think Dad would've nailed the guy for contempt. So in my view, knowing a little of judges from personal experience, the judge in the article doesn't come across as power-mad or out-of-control. Further, this wasn't a case of a stolen chicken: it was an attempted murder trial, demanding a certain amount of seriousness and gravity from all concerned.

[Mark was here]

Juror Fined For Yawning In Court

[JOE6PAK]

$1000 for a yawn?

How much for a fart?

[TAdams8591]

Yes, they are.