Man sentenced to 6 months in jail for yawning.
 

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32383292/ns/us_news-weird_news/?GT1=43001

Sheesh! Yeah the guy did it on purpose, but jail time. Really?

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that the guy was being an ass and is a loser. Granted, 6 months seems a bit extreme. I have a mental image of a loser that's got no respect for authority, or probably anyone. I could definitely be wrong.

Is respect for authority now required by law? I missed that.

Like I said, the punishment was extreme. Right or not, maybe he's learned to not screw with judges. Legal or not, it's probably a good thing to understand.

Man what do you get for a fart on a wooden bench...tazered?

What kind of fart?

And lets not even mention armpit farts...

In a court room I believe it is, thus the contempt of court charge, no?

CONTEMPT OF COURT - Any willful disobedience to, or disregard of, a court order or any misconduct in the presence of a court; action that interferes with a judge's ability to administer justice or that insults the dignity of the court; punishable by fine or imprisonment or both.

So I guess wearing ugly shoes into a courtroom could be a criminal offense... :rolleyes:

This judge has a reputation for doing this. I'm not saying that the yawning wasn't out of line, just that it probably didn't deserve six months in jail.

A local article on this stated that since this judge was seated on the bench, almost two thirds of contempt charges in that county have come from this judge, and they tend to be far more severe than those of his peers.

As an aside, most counties in Illinois have "retention"-style elections for judges. Once voted in, enough people have to vote against retaining a judge for their even to be an election. Most judges never face election again once voted in. I always vote against retaining all judges because I feel they should periodically be forced to defend their record. That, and it's just about impossible to find any public information on a specific judge unless they are running for election.

Judge Chamberlain Haller: Mr. Gambini, the next words out of your mouth better be "guilty" or "not guilty." I don't want to hear commentary, argument, or opinion. I don't want to hear any facts or evidence relating to this case. If I hear anything other than "guilty" or "not guilty", you'll be in contempt. I don't even want to hear you clear your throat to speak. Now, how do your clients plead?

Vinny Gambini: [intimidated] I think I get the point.

Judge Chamberlain Haller: No, I don't think you do. Now you're officially in contempt of court! Would you like to say something else and go for two counts of contempt of court?

Vinny Gambini: Not guilty?

Judge Chamberlain Haller: Thank you. See how easy that was? Not guilty plea has been entered for the record. Bail for both defendants will be set at $200,000. Oh and bailiff, take Mr. Gambini into custody... and set his bail at $200 for one count of contempt of court.

Some chick was recently put in jail for wearing short-shorts into court.

I find this whole contempt of court thing to be, well, contemptable.

I was involved in a divorce case several years back. Respondent (husband) shows up in court looking like he just came from the beach...shorts and a Hawaiian shirt. Judge orders him to come back in 1/2 hr. dressed properly, or he would find him in contempt.

This was an early hearing (8:30a), so no retail stores were open nearby. Dude goes to a Walgreens and buys two towels & safety pins. He fashions the towels into pant legs and affixes them to his shorts with the safety pins. Looked like he was wearing terry cloth leggings.

The judge just looked at him in disgust, but allowed the case to proceed.

Everyone in the courtroom was laughing their asses off.

don't taze me bro, it was the taco truck's fault

My local courthouse has a big sign right next to the courtroom entrance, that says (paraphrased) "don't even consider stepping foot in this room if you're wearing raunchy clothes, sandals, flip flops, iPods, cell phones, gang wear, ripped clothes, anything that your grandma would disapprove of".

So, when someone then steps through that door dressed like that, or acting like a prick, he SHOULDN'T have the judge toss every book within reach at him?

How does yawning, or not dressing up in ANY way impede, a supposedly intelligent person (the judge) from performing his duties.

Total power trip.

Tradition. Respect for the institution. Respect for the figure of authority.

Would you mind if I showed up (invited) to your wedding wearing a t-shirt that says ""F" her, I did!"...?

"Clifton Williams, 33, of Richton Park" 'nough said. Trust me, this guy's guilty of something worthy of six months.

If i invited you i'd expect it.

+1 on the "total power trip" remark.

if disrespecting a judge is punishable by jail,
what should be the punishment for disrespecting a president?

Only place comes to my mind where anyone is routinely demanding it is a cartoon.

6 months is a long time for that
literally made me laugh out loud