We’ve all seen the court shows on television. Two parties in a case go head to head while a over the top charismatic judge sits at the bench offering snide remarks and ultimately a ruling. Anyone who has been in a real courtroom knows that those you see on television are all about ratings and have very little to do with the law.
But, a real-life Superior Court judge out of San Diego is accused of blurring the line between television courtrooms and real life court matters. She allegedly had the husband of her bailiff record her in court on two different occasions, both recordings were made in hopes of landing a television show.
According to the Hollywood Reporter she is now facing an investigation from the Commission on Judicial Performance for those acts, mostly because others in the courtroom at the time didn’t know they were being recorded.
Although the San Diego Superior Court judge states she frequently uses humor on the bench to lighten things up, it’s alleged she was extra “snarky” on the days of recording—making jokes at the expense of defendants and interjecting witty one-liners.
Superior Court judges are well respected professionals. Sure, there’s nothing wrong with a little humor in the courtroom, but turning an actual court of law into a sideshow seems ethically questionable at best.
The courts of this country are dramatic places without the scripted drama. Everyday people enter those courtrooms and leave changed, whether in cuffs or acquitted on criminal charges. The proceedings within the typical courtroom can get very heavy and extremely serious.
Laughter is good medicine but one mustn’t lose sight of the reason they are in court. There’s no doubt in my mind that while the judge was making jokes, the defendants hadn’t forgotten why they were there.
Facing criminal charges is stressful. Whether you are awaiting trial in a jail cell or waiting for your court dates in the comfort of your own home, those impending proceedings can cause you a lot of strife. The possibility of a prison sentence or even just fines and a criminal record are enough to make anyone crack.
If you’re facing charges, you need to make sure you have an advocate on your side when you go before the judge. This isn’t made for television; this is real life. Contact our offices today if you are facing criminal charges.