Why wasn’t Chardon School shooter TJ Lane immediately held in contempt of court and escorted out when, at his sentencing hearing, he took off his dress shirt to reveal he was wearing a tshirt with KILLER written on it? Or when he started saying what he said?
Purely judicial discretion? Different rules because it was a hearing?
I haven’t seen any reports of this in the media, but it’s definitely within the judge’s discretion. There’s no harm because, as you say, it’s a hearing with no jury. The judge can handle the t-shirt. The guy has to be sentenced eventually, the defendant has a right to be present, and I’m sure the judge just wanted to get it over with. I don’t know what he said, but he has a right to say what he wants before being sentenced.
Too bad it isn’t “in the judge’s discretion” to put him down like the murderous dog he is via the most painful and prolonged way possible.
I was a little confused. I thought something new happened. I had to look it up. The sentencing hearing was in 2013.
Exactly right. The sentencing had to be done. Guilt wasn’t an issue (he entered a guilty plea). There was no jury to prejudice. And he was minutes away from being given 3 life sentences. What purpose would holding him in contempt serve? Maybe he can get a small fine on top of his life sentences?
[Moderating]
This is in no way an appropriate reply in FQ. If you don’t have anything factual to contribute to the conversation, do not contribute.