Excuse me Judge Diane Boswell

[WaTcHeR]

08.25.2006 - Crown Point, Ind. - A judge detained and questioned a row of spectators when a cell phone rang for a third time in her courtroom, later ordering two people to serve community service for contempt of court.

When no one admitted having the ringing phones Wednesday, Lake County Criminal Court Judge Diane Boswell told all five people in the row to sit in chairs reserved for jail inmates. They stayed there for more than an hour until the morning court call ended.

Boswell found three people in contempt of court because they initially refused to say who had the ringing phones.

Cynthia Cannon of Gary agreed to pay a $100 fine after admitting that her phone was one of those that went off. The judge ordered her to do community service, but Cannon declined, saying she can't work or sit for long periods of time due to a disability.

Verdell Berry Jr., of Merrillville, said he had two phones. One was off, the other he turned off when Boswell warned the gallery about the phones. The sound of it powering down is what she heard, Berry said.

He admitted he didn't speak up to explain that when Boswell first asked.

Shonique Freeman, of Gary, said she knew it was Berry's phone, but she didn't offer the information, either.

Boswell ordered both Berry and Freeman to serve 40 hours of community service.

"The next time you come to court, don't bring your cell phone," Boswell said. "And when the court asks a question, answer the question."

[WaTcHeR]

watcher said:

Boswell found three people in contempt of court because they initially refused to say who had the ringing phones.

He admitted he didn't speak up to explain that when Boswell first asked.

Shonique Freeman, of Gary, said she knew it was Berry's phone, but she didn't offer the information, either.

Man that's old school there. No one out of the five people "snitched" on the other. That's what pissed off Judge Diane Boswell. I applaud the five spectators.

watcher said:

The next time you come to court, don't bring your cell phone," Boswell said. "And when the court asks a question, answer the question.

I would say no offence Judge Diane Boswell, but fuck you! I wanna a lawyer before I answer any questions from anyone.

[X]

Typical.

When you enter a courtroom you give up your Constitutional rights because the whim of a power-obsessed asshole judge.

She should be held in contempt.

[Shuftin]

I was threatened once with contempt of court. What was the felony crime that I was committing against humanity? The Judge wanted all shirts to be tucked in. I was wearing a cold weather heavy sweater. The Judge deduced that it was an outer garment and therefore was to be tucked in. Talk about a power trip that had nothing to do with crime, criminals or law.