If I get the giggles in court, can I be charged with contempt?

Question

I mean, do lawyers or judges ever get the giggles? What if you're sitting on a jury and it happens? You're not feeling any contempt or disrespect for the court or proceedings, but you just can't stop laughing...

Answer 1

You will be declared the court jester....

Answer 2

I doubt that either judges or lawyers have time during a court proceeding to get the giggles. If the judge gets annoyed enough I suppose he could charge you with contempt but more than likely he'll just have you escorted from the room.

Answer 3

This is actually referred to as "Laughing Out of Order" The proper court etiquette is to only laugh when the Judge laughs. This should be done at things that are truly Funny. You will not be charged with Contempt, but, may have to leave the Court Room until you hear everyone else laughing. But, then you will miss something really funny and will not be laughing.
I used to sit in at this County Court at times just for fun. Believe me, there are many instances Everyone does laugh, Judge included. We just being Human. :-D HAHAHAHAHAHA! Oops! ;-)

Answer 4

Yes. The judge can view the giggles as a sign of disrespect for the court and the judicial proceeding. I would suggest that you think of something very sad that will halt the giggles. Otherwise it could end up costing you a great deal of money - now there's a sobering thought.....

Answer 5

Yes you could be charged. Any prolonged disrespect or interruption of a court is deemed as contempt once a warning is issued (for some things no warning is required but usually given anyways)...

However, due to the fact that court proceedings are usually very 'dry' and solemn event I have yet to encounter anyone who had this problem...

Answer 6

I'm sure lawyers and judges have to squelch their laughter very often in court. But I view most of the members of the judicial system as very good actors anyway, so they can probably hide their merriment very well. Now if I was on a jury and something funny happened...hmmm...I don't know, that would remind me of trying not to laugh in church when I was a kid.

Answer 7

Didn't you know one of the requirements of passing the bar is to exorcise your soul? Laughter is the language of the soul according to Pablo Neruda (and subsequently Lisa Simpson). Judges are by and large also required to have a law degree (with the exception of the JP in some places). Therefore, it is virtually impossible for a judge or a laywer to get the giggles in court because they have no soul.

Answer 8

It would depend on how old you are, what your mental health status is and whether it is appropriate at the time or not. You could be held in contempt of court for any reason the Judge decides to hold you as such while in court whether its in session or not and also for not showing up.

Answer 9

There are no instances of when you can not stop laughing if you really need too. Yes of course you can be charged with contempt and fined, and should be. Don't you think it's time you joined the real world?

Answer 10

Giggle away, as long as you don't fall off your bench/chair to the floor kicking and screaming HAHAHAHAHAHAHA....turning blue, peeing your pants;
then you should be allright.
If you do that though, contempt of court will be your least worry.....the straight jacket team will be giggling wrapping you up nice and tight.... :))

Answer 11

the judge will probably ask you if you are on some sort of medication? (seen it on judge Judy a bunch of times). they could take a short recess or reschedule the proceedings for another day if you get to out of hand.