In trying to deal with very rude people in a local magistrate office, I became very frustrated, sighed and cursed softly under my breath. This wasn't directed toward a person, but just a manifestation of frustration that wasn't meant for others' ears. Unfortunately someone heard and I was threatened and told I couldn't use that language because it was a "courtroom." Is that just a rule of curteousy, or is it a punishable crime. Either way, particularly since it wasn't directed at the magistrate or his rude employees, I can't see how it was a breech of any rule or law. I have a real problem with the loss of first amendment rights over a minor speeding ticket (which by the way I don't believe is warranted, but don't see a point in contesting, since I'm moving and won't be able to come back for a court date without much expense on my own part. I've never had a speeding ticket before so this was all new to me).
2007-06-01 02:16:40 · 9 answers · asked by rumezzo 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
Apparently some people aren't reading the details. PLEASE read them before you waste our time. No one was cursed AT. Don't be condescending. People being condescending is what cause the frustration to begin with. Regardless, I cursed at no one but myself.
2007-06-01 02:48:54 · update #1
Also the very unprofessional magistrate in the clip-on spiderman tie wasn't even part of any discussion. He was on the phone.
2007-06-01 02:50:37 · update #2
It can be viewed as contempt but "His Honor" usually warns you first.
Smart move not to appeal. Pay the fine and forget it. I appealed a speeding conviction once. It cost me a tidy sum and a whole lot of time for a little principle and pride. I'd never do it again.
2007-06-01 02:37:51 · answer #1 · answered by Jack 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In the UK this would be a matter which could give rise to contempt proceedings, which would mean that the person you had sworn at could take you into court, lay an information before the court and have you "purge your contempt", which normally would mean eating humble pie and apologising or being sent down to the cells. It would not, however, amount to a crime: it would simply be a means of disciplining the unruly. Clearly the person you swore at here didn't want this to happen and was simply admonishing you so that you would calm down.
2007-06-01 09:31:08 · answer #2 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When in Rome, do as the Romans do.
When you are in a courtroom, you are supposed to show respect at all times. The magistrate or judge sets the rules, not you. And I question if it was meant for other ears or you wouldn't have said them in the first place. Tread easy when in court or with the police or sometimes you pay the consequences.
2007-06-01 09:27:07 · answer #3 · answered by KittyKat 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't they MAKE you swear (to tell the whole truth)? (hehehe Sorry, I couldn't resist.) I do not think so at all, I worked in a courtroom for a while and the lawyers used to scream profanities at their clients who were stupid enough not to listen to them and no one ever scolded them. It must have just been that specific case. Either way, I'd watch it since you don't want to get in trouble over such a stupid thing. A lot of people in that line of work are on huge power trips and will take out innocent bystanders just because they can.
2007-06-01 09:27:13 · answer #4 · answered by smilestace2001 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The judge decides the rules for his cortroom. If you genuinely didn't know you weren't allowed to swear, then you were properly given One warning. Do it again, and I imagine you will spend a night in lockup for contempt.
I've heard of judges jailing people for wearing trashy or overly-revealing clothes, bringing turned-on cell phones or pagers to court.
Its just a matter of commone sense. You wouldn't curse in front of a policeman, or deputy, or in fact, in front of any one who has authority or power.
I work with the public, and even though I have no power to punish rude people, I refuse to help people who come to me cursing or attacking my character. If the same person calms down and treats me with respect, I will repay that respect and will solve their problem...
2007-06-01 09:30:59 · answer #5 · answered by chocolahoma 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It may or may not be "illegal" but it is what could be called "a breach of decorum." You could feasibly be held in contempt of court for it, which could result in a brief stay in jail. Generally a good idea to behave yourself in court.
2007-06-01 09:23:57 · answer #6 · answered by Rob Z 2 · 3⤊ 0⤋
If the magistrate finds you in contempt of court, anything can be illegal.
2007-06-01 09:20:48 · answer #7 · answered by goose1976 2 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Life is a ***** and then you die. You know they are a bunch of commie homos, so don't waste your good time worrying about them. Some of these people drink a lot and their hearing is going bad anyway.
2007-06-01 09:35:43 · answer #8 · answered by Menehune 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It's just a matter of Respect and Proffessionalism, that's all.
2007-06-01 10:19:05 · answer #9 · answered by 24Special 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋