Odd Covid related thing in Court

[matthewb0051]

I was in court this morning, via Zoom. BTW, Zoom court sucks.

I was waiting on my client's case and listening to another case, which I believe was a motion to revoke probation.

Judge started discussing the community service hours that defendant was supposed to do and said something about his 'policy'. Apparently this judge (who happens to be the senior felony judge) will waive up to 120 hours of community service for a defendant that is willing to get 'fully vaccinated'.

Interesting to say the least. I've contacted a few peers and we seem to think this is quasi illegal, minimum. If looked at in this fashion: do this or do more punishment. This particular defendant had not been vaccinated and said he had been researching it. Judge sort of put him on the spot and it felt a little uncomfortable.

I know of other judges that will give CS credit for donations to food banks, etc. But this is a new one on me.

[Steve Carlton]

I like it.

[Arizona_928]

Sounds like coercion to me....

Defendant is prolly too stupid to even know what was happening. But then again that's how the justice system works in the US>

[Zeke]

You wouldn't have posted this is it wasn't warranted and I agree with you.

I'm not a lawyer and should stay out of this, but it is interesting.

[Hard-Deck]

Getting vaccinated is a form of community service, so this makes sense.

[mattdavis11]

Bexar county, I suppose? Was it that nut bag, Wolf?

[drcoastline]

You don't want my opinion.

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by Zeke

You wouldn't have posted this is it wasn't warranted and I agree with you.

I'm not a lawyer and should stay out of this, but it is interesting.

No the people need to stay involved, know what is going on or the lawyers take control and fuk everythig up. That's why the country has the problems it does.

What teh OP should do is file a judicial complaint against the judge and have this scumbag removed from the bench.

I guess you all know my opinion now.

[mattdavis11]

I'm fairly certain you know you have an obligation to report this, if factual. The AG and Law Board need to know what's going on.

[biosurfer1]

Originally Posted by matthewb0051

If looked at in this fashion: do this or do more punishment.

Or could be looked at in this fashion: Same punishment, but you can reduce it by getting vaccinated. Seems to me it's pretty much the same as reduced punishment for good behavior. Good behavior benefits everyone involved, but is entirely up to the criminal to choose to do it or not. Same as getting vaccinated.

[cockerpunk]

time to vote that judge out.

[Deschodt]

Originally Posted by cockerpunk

time to vote that judge out.

The fact sheriffs and judges are voted in still makes me shake my head.. Should be internal promotion based on competence, not political.. ugh...

[cockerpunk]

Originally Posted by Deschodt

The fact sheriffs and judges are voted in still makes me shake my head.. Should be internal promotion based on competence, not political.. ugh...

the biggest problem is its reactive rather than proactive.

only after a judge or sheriff has grossly ruined dozens or hundreds of lives can they be removed. that doesn't seem like a good system for justice.

[mattdavis11]

Originally Posted by biosurfer1

Or could be looked at in this fashion: Same punishment, but you can reduce it by getting vaccinated. Seems to me it's pretty much the same as reduced punishment for good behavior. Good behavior benefits everyone involved, but is entirely up to the criminal to choose to do it or not. Same as getting vaccinated.

It also could be a life sentence if choosing to get an injection for a lighter punishment.

[drcoastline]

Originally Posted by cockerpunk

the biggest problem is its reactive rather than proactive.

only after a judge or sheriff has grossly ruined dozens or hundreds of lives can they be removed. that doesn't seem like a good system for justice.

I don't agree with you on much, in fact nothing I can think of up to this point but on this I am with you.

[Tobra]

As an officer of the court you are compelled to report this

Originally Posted by Steve Carlton

I like it.

Why?

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

Bexar county, I suppose? Was it that nut bag, Wolf?

Bexar yes. Wolf is a County Judge but was Mayor 20 years or more ago. Its been years since I took Texas government so I really don't know what they do. He and the Mayor were having daily updates on Covid for months on TV and began them with statements such as... we disagree with the governor on xxxxx.

Edit: Wolf is on the County Commissioners Court. But I still don't know WTF that is.

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

I'm fairly certain you know you have an obligation to report this, if factual. The AG and Law Board need to know what's going on.

Yes and not too happy about that.

This particular judge is the most senior and is responsible for the orders closing down the courthouse and jury trials, which we are under a shut down right now.

[Tobra]

Can you report anonymously?

[matthewb0051]

Originally Posted by Tobra

Can you report anonymously?

I sure hope so...

[LWJ]

I believe vaccines are part of our social contract.

Legally- this may be wrong. I’ve not been to law school.

Morally - I get it and support this.