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I think that Judge Jorge Rodriguez-Chomat acted like as much an ass as Penelope Soto did.
I think that he was just as childish as she was.
Is it normal ?
Oh, *this* case. I've heard of it, but had to look up the names to know who they were.
I agree with you. Soto was stupid, but in no way did she deserve her sentence to be increased and especially not jail time. The judge was obviously acting in anger not out of rationality, which is a clear abuse of his powers. Definitely childish, as childish as Soto was.
He didn't abuse any powers, it was clearly contempt of court and he had every right to impose jail time. No judge would allow that much disrespect in the courtroom and not do anything about it. If he did let it slide, he wouldn't be doing his job...
Increasing the bail wasn't really right though. Bail is not supposed to be punitive or prohibitive.
Maybe I was too ambiguous when I said he abused his powers. I meant that in a moral sense judges are meant to be impartial and not let personal gripes influence their decision, which this judge obviously did.
I think the contempt of court decision should only be made when it clearly impacts on the judicial process, otherwise it's just a judge saying "I don't like you so I'm going to punish you just because I have power and I can", which I think is wrong. Basically, I think "contempt of court" is usually just used by judges in a thinly veiled attempt to justify their elitism. Rudeness should not be a crime.
Getting mad cause she said goodbye wasn't necessary but when she flicked him off I was glad he punished her. Although she pissed me off so I side with the judge pretty much.