I was in Criminal Court today. Packed with defendants. Lawyers. DA’s. Clerks. Bailiffs. I have the flu, but for some court dates it doesn’t matter. You know the flu where you’re almost well but drained and weak? The room moves a little.

Naturally this is the day court takes until 1:30. The judge, a serious hardworking one, is running a jury trial, hearings at breaks. He doesn’t take a lunch, nor does the court staff.

I’m waiting for a form from the coordinator when I hear a defendant in the audience and the bailiff exchange:

Bailiff: Please keep it down. The judge is on the bench.

Defendant: ( muffled )

Bailiff: Just keep it down please

Defendant: You wouldn’t say that to me if you weren’t hiding in that uniform (loud even where the judge could hear it)

Bailiff: What?

I turned in shock that anyone would say that in a courtroom, where even the judge heard him, but it got worse.

Defendant: You heard me. You wouldn’t talk to me like that if you weren’t wearing that uniform. (Loud)

He was unafraid. Unaware. Or, didn’t care.

The whole court froze. The judge immediately ordered the man to the bench where he chewed him out and then had him sit quietly until it was his turn–I’m sure after the rest of the docket. I was shocked he wasn’t sent to jail for contempt. Or just being stupid, which actually is against the law inside of a courtroom I believe.

Anyway, that’s part of the world we live in.