Juding a la Judge Judy

[Melody]

Our local news cast showed a clip of a Michigan judge speaking in the most disrespectful tone of voice to a defendant. This isn't the first time I've heard judges and other law enforcement officials speaking disrespectfully to people. I've heard police officers using some of the most foul language when arresting suspects....the same type of language that would get me arrested for breaking obscenity laws.

What do all of you think? Should law enforcement officials be required to show respect to the people they come in contact with....or do you think they have the right to treat those who come within their circle as disrespectfully as they choose including swearing and yelling at them?

 

[Jaymes]

They don't have the right to verbal abuse. I can understand letting a few swear words fly in extreme situations, but some of the things I've seen on tape are downright crazy. Cursing six ways to Sunday isn't going to get the suspect any calmer or cooperative... :areyoucra

 

[robtex]

What do all of you think? Should law enforcement officials be required to show respect to the people they come in contact with....or do you think they have the right to treat those who come within their circle as disrespectfully as they choose including swearing and yelling at them?

Judges have no excuse whatsoever. I worked near a court for a few years and notice a few of them get attitudes on the bench too. Thought that was really unprofessional and I would feel never justified.

However, a law enforcement officer is different and here is why. There job requires them to get information out of people. Sometimes to do that they need some strategy and sometimes the best strategy is being unfriendly. Cussing and yelling is really not professtional either but by being abrasive sometimes they can make a suspect or witness (who normally would conceal info cause he is in the neigborhood), divulge important info they would have otherwise concealed.

I do think they can do that however without cussing or yelling . I would find it hard for any hypothical senerio where either of those two things could be justified.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I think some of them, especially Judge Judy, get out of hand. I wouldn't address anything to her as "Your Honor" when she calls people stupid.

 

[Aqualung]

Well, Judge Judy is just a show, but I would definitely not want a "real" judge to speak to people like that. I understand where robtex is coming from, though, and I think he's right. Sometimes a cop has to behave in an offensive manner to seem "strong" or like he is above the person, and that's sometimes the image the person needs to see in order to open up and talk.

 

[jamaesi]

My brother-in-law, who is a police officer, is nothing but calm and polite with everyone to little kids to drunken drivers. It seems to work rather well for him.

If you want respect, you can´t just demand it, you need to be respectful yourself.

 

[michel]

What a sad state of affairs...........

To me, the policeman, and the Judge are public servants. As such they need to behave in a professional manner at all times. I can see your point, Rob, about the police needing to use a ruse to get info out of a suspect - but don't forget that the accused is 'innocent until proved guilty'.

I was recently in court (I like to go and observe) ; the accused was brought in (under escort)- the police sub contract the 'escorting' of prisoners to a security firm. The escort didn't stand up when the Judge came in the court - her (though that is irrelevent) showed no respect whatsoever; I was shocked, because I have heard defendants 'told off' by the Judge for far less bad behaviour.

The police are polite, but somehow think they are above the law - the number of times I see them in cars using a mobile...........lovely example.