Court Watch - Thursday, May 10, 2012 13:20 - 0 Comments

An Alabama Judge Did The Right Thing And For The Right Reason

Autauga County Circuit Court Judge John Bush says he was shocked by the national attention he received after he sent a Prattville man to jail for three days. The order for jail time by Judge Bush was handed down because the man’s jeans were sagging too low. Judge Bush, a very good jurist with more than 25 years on the bench, says that his office has had media calls from all over the U.S., including CNN, Associated Press and other national news outlets. The three-day contempt of court citation for disrespecting the court system received national attention. Judge Bush took exception to the fact that the young man’s blue jeans were sagging and reportedly told him:

You are in contempt of court because you showed your butt in court. You can spend three days in jail. When you get out you can buy pants that fit, or at least get a belt to hold up your pants so your underwear doesn’t show.

A quick Internet search revealed the story was printed or broadcast in newspapers and on television stations across the country. It also became a popular topic on blogs dealing with subjects ranging from politics to cultural issues. I believe Judge Bush should be commended for his action. Folks who come into a courtroom should treat the court, as well as others in the room, with respect. In fact, the need for that respect should hold true for any public building. But it’s especially applicable for a judicial building. Hopefully, Judge Bush’s action will send a message that needs to be heard by lots of folks. It doesn’t just apply to sagging pants, but to attitudes of folks who don’t respect the law or the judicial system. Unfortunately, it’s not just how some young men wear their pants. That’s because we have a much deeper problem affecting our judicial system and that comes from the constant attacks on the system by powerful special interests who want to weaken if not destroy the system.

Source: Montgomery Advertiser