The Canberra Times has the disturbing news that Canberra’s Magistrates are only now taking action against people who swear at them in court:
Streams of invective levelled at magistrates and judges are all too common in the legal profession, but contempt of court charges are rarely laid as a result. Under the Magistrates Court Act, a defendant can be held in contempt for insulting a magistrate, registrar, bailiff or other court officer.
After Ms Doogan refused the man bail yesterday, he shouted obscenities before being escorted out of the courtroom by corrective services officers.
”You’re a racist f—ing white piece of shit,” the man shouted.
He continued to shout at the court staff who removed him from the hearing room.
”I’m going to have him charged with contempt,” Ms Doogan said. ”I am sick of being abused by people in this court.”
One has to wonder if it would do society a world of good to enforce some impulse control on those who are coming before the courts.
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What’s Your opinion?
Magistrates to finally grow a pair?
Classified said :
I assume you’re refering to Ms Doogan. She may charge you with contempt
Deref said :
that MUST be against human rights or something… too far.
Henry82 said :
Or sent to bed without his supper.
Also from the CT article:
“And in March Ms Doogan banned the families of two alleged burglars from her courtroom after one abusive outburst too many. One of the supporters was threatened with contempt action after calling the magistrate a ”c***”. Last year a supporter of one of the same alleged burglars told former Chief Magistrate John Burns to ”get ***ed”.”
Me thinks some contempt charges should have been laid earlier!
It would be better still if the impulse control happened before the scum committed their crimes.
Will be interesting to see what the punishment is … I suspect it will end up being a warning to behave himself in future.
About time. The way these people behave, maybe if they’re actually censured for it, and punished, they’ll smarten up and behave properly.
Love the irony of the aggrieved person abusing the magistrate for being racist, and calling her white. Pot, Kettle, um, white?
Rawhide Kid Part3 said :
They have been for a long time now. All they need is the page 3 girl and they’ll be in good competition with the Daily Telly
Good on him.
toriness said :
[cutaway shot of blonde dude in ferrari]
“more than you can afford, pal”.
Henry82 said :
yeah but that’s 2 packs of ciggies/5 longnecks of VB. how much does a hit of heroin cost?
Hahah, Classic! I love this scene playing out. Comedy gold. Supremely educated member of the judiciary with pillar standing among the people, seeks to outlaw swearing and name calling. (Insert Nail file cutaway shot)
Tool said :
Boy! That has double meanings..
its ok guys, for his contempt he will get a $30 fine.
I see it is now ok to print ‘s***’ in the Canberra Times
Kinda takes all the fun out of going to court…