Can they also be as emotional/angry (Alec Baldin kinda angry, using threats) as they wanted?
2007-05-13 12:40:48 · 9 answers · asked by cpc26ca 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
God I would hope so, or know I would. If the judge was to threaten me with contempt, well,, I'd earn the charges when I layed into the judge for telling me I can't yell at the piece of S**t that killed my loved one. If you have a clean record remember that there is a court reporter typing every word and that is a public record and you can get a copy to give to the press. Judges hate looking bad, it prevents them from getting re-elected. You have time think about what you want to say and go for what your conscience allows
2007-05-13 14:26:39 · answer #1 · answered by tmilestc 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No. The victim's family is only allowed to address the court (meaning the judge). Any attempt by the witness to address the guilty will be addressed by the judge, first with a stern warning, then with possible restraint by an officer of the court. The judge might see fit to issue a contempt order for the witness, however, most judges are reluctant to do this during the elocution phase because of the high emotion. Usually after the warning, if the witness continues to address the guilty and becomes profane, then the judge will ask that the witness be removed.
2007-05-13 19:51:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you use profanity, you will not be held in contempt but it is considered very disrespectful to use it in a courtroom in front of a judge. It's even worse if you're reading from a prepared statement and it contains profanity. If you're just speaking to the killer without reading from a letter and you curse because you are extremely emotional, I think it would be more understandable.
DLUV1126: Your answer is not accurate. A victim's loved one is absolutely allowed to address the convicted killer at sentencing. I've seen it many times.
2007-05-13 19:48:36 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
Can't see why not in America with freedom of speech and anyway the killer would expect something like that. No minors would be present, the law enforcement people would understand and the accused would as well. Such an emotional outburst, but with profanity omitted was shown in Green Mile movie.
2007-05-13 19:47:13 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Most judges will over look this. It lets the victim have some closure without getting violent in the court towards the killer.
2007-05-13 19:45:58 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They probably could, although it would be rather pointless...making threats and yelling profanities doesn't change the crime that occured...I've never understood why such ugly outbursts were supposed to help someone "feel better"...just bad karma for them...
2007-05-13 19:49:11 · answer #6 · answered by . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
probably not. this is socialist america where only criminals have rights. we must be sensitive to the poor killer's feelings.
2007-05-13 19:53:43 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You can use words like hell or damned but you cant go on a vulgarity spree or anything like that.
2007-05-13 20:45:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
They could be held in contempt
2007-05-13 19:44:29 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋