A man named Mathew Bartlett was just arrested during the Casey Anthony trial for flipping off a lawyer on the prosecution in open court. He has to spend a total of 6 days in jail, a fine of $400 and plus court fees of $233, he has to pay $633. Before everyone walked in, they were told by a sign and deputies not to make rude or affectionate gestures of any sort to any extent (middle finger included). What do you think about this? He shouldn't be charged the $633 and should've just gotten a slap on the wrist, or was the punishment fair?
I think it was fair because he was warned, twice not to make rude gestures like that and decided to flip off the lawyer. Things like that shouldn't be in court.
I think fining him is fair since they were warned not to but take it into perspective - this is a murder trial. Should someone be jailed for such a minor offence when a decision hasn't been made on such a serious crime?
Well, considering it wasn't all that long to fine him and convict him, it was probably used as a recess for both the defense and the prosecution. The most damage it did was waste the judges time and Matthew will be out $633. And this trial will be going on for a loooooooooong time.
I don't think this will delay it by that much, but you're right. It would probably have been a good idea that take place after the trial, as long as they had video evidence of it.
@ Turtleman - i wasn't implying it's a waste of time or anything, it's just a very dragged out high profile case and i think the judicial system was just proving their power -shrugs-
Ah yes, freedom of speech going down the drain. Personally, I think the whole thing is idiotic. Is there really any reason you shouldn't flip off a lawyer? On a serious note, I don't see what doesn't give this man that freedom of speech. In my opinion, he shouldn't have been fined, or even warned.
Ah yes, freedom of speech going down the drain. Personally, I think the whole thing is idiotic. Is there really any reason you shouldn't flip off a lawyer? On a serious note, I don't see what doesn't give this man that freedom of speech. In my opinion, he shouldn't have been fined, or even warned.
It was the judges court room, his rules. Like in a house. If you tell someone that you don't want profanity in your house and someone comes in swearing every other word, you can kick them out of your hosue. Same case here, sort of. There was a sign that said "No rude or affectionate gestures" And deputies also told everyone the same thing before they walked in the court room. And he flipped off the lawyer becuase he didn't agree with him. I don't even think he had anything to do with the trial to start with.
But I also found out I was wrong about the trial going to be going on for a long time. The defense got finished shortly after my last post. So only about a few days left, maybe.
He should have been fined and that would be the end of it. Prison costs money, a simple fine is best for this kind of thing. Also, you have to be especially careful in courts. If you said I love Hitler in Germany, you'd be locked up in a heartbeat. It's the same in court, just being more sensitive.
On a serious note, I don't see what doesn't give this man that freedom of speech. In my opinion, he shouldn't have been fined, or even warned
Welcome to the world of law. Prepare to be educate.
1. He flipped the bird in open court. That can be considered contempt of court, and yes that can be punished.
2. They signed a binding legal contract. He broke the contract. That would be considered breaking the law then. The judge can do as he pleases within reasonable limits. The limits were reasonable.
[quote]1. He flipped the bird in open court. That can be considered contempt of court, and yes that can be punished.
2. They signed a binding legal contract. He broke the contract. That would be considered breaking the law then. The judge can do as he pleases within reasonable limits. The limits were reasonable.[quote]
Everyone is understanding that he broke the law. It was disrespectful and unlawful yes. But was it enough to get both a fine and a sentence? Shouldn't the case at hand be more important?
Actually no, because it could've been considered disturbing the peace, in addition depending on the state profanity could be considered a violent or intimidating action resulting in a charge of disorderly conduct.
