NationStates Jolt Archive

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30335202/?GT1=43001

An Idaho Judge ordered baliliffs to silence a defendant on trial, so they duct taped his mouth shut.

POCATELLO, Idaho - An eastern Idaho judge who lost patience with the disruptive behavior of a defendant ordered court officials to tape the man's mouth shut with duct tape during a court hearing.

The unusual move was ordered by 6th District Judge Peter D. McDermott during a probation violation hearing for Nicklas Frasure, 23.

Frasure was convicted of felony theft in 2008, but the judge retained jurisdiction for sentencing depending on Frasure's response to treatment. In October, Frasure was released from a state mental hospital in Blackfoot.

I like this. How many times do people get duct taped by court order?

Also, I thought this was going to be a thread about some politician who says stupid things. You're on a roll with these titles.

I like this. How many times do people get duct taped by court order?

Also, I thought this was going to be a thread about some politician who says stupid things. You're on a roll with these titles.

I was on my way to try and go to bed and that article caught my eye. I just threw something up there...

So lets make this relevant. Is this a violation of the man's rights or a sound court ruling as the man was being disruptive of court?

I'm no lawyer, but wouldn't a disruptive defendant merely get removed? I was under the belief that a court could continue without a disruptive defendant present. What would duct taping his mouth shut accomplish besides humiliation and publicity?

That being said, I love duct tape; it's one of a mischief maker's most useful tools.

Ah, Duct Tape. The Handyman's secret weapon.

I honestly have no clue. The judge definately has the right and imperative to keep order in his court (how else are we going to accomplish things) while the defendant has the right to be present and assist in his defense. Although, in this case, I think he may have done the defense a favor...

Someone was obviously taking a page from King of the Hill.

duct tape... now a thousand and TWO uses.

duct tape... now a thousand and TWO uses.

If the ACLU doesn't do anything about it than its apparently useful in court rooms.

If the ACLU doesn't do anything about it than its apparently useful in court rooms.

like all other tools, it depends on HOW it was used. I think the ACLU is examining this one closely...