A federal judge threatened to kick Donald Trump out of court Wednesday after the former president made repeated comments within earshot of the jury hearing a civil defamation trial against him.

Trump muttered that the case is a “witch hunt,” among other similar comments, according to a lawyer for the writer E. Jean Carroll, who is suing Trump over derogatory comments he made about her while he was president.

The episode prompted a stern rebuke from U.S. District Judge Lewis Kaplan, who repeatedly tussled with Trump and his lawyers during a testy courtroom session Wednesday morning.

“Mr. Trump has the right to be present here. That right can be forfeited, and it can be forfeited if he is disruptive, which is what has been reported to me,” the judge said.

  • zcd@lemmy.ca
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    10 months ago

    So it’s cool if we fuck around in court? Contempt isn’t a thing anymore?

    • RubberDuck@lemmy.world
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      10 months ago

      Federal judges (should) have a lot more decorum and patience. Actually all judges should have, but the US also popularized the mini dictators that dole out ridiculous punishments for “misbehaving”.

      People in court are not there because they bought tickets to the venue for their own enjoyment.

      While I agree Trump should also have some decorum, he is effectively rich trailer trash. The judge treats him as such and in my book that makes the judge an icon.

      The judge is above his petty nonsense but does take the time to make trump feel he is not in charge every time he steps out. And I think this is far worse for Trump’s feelings than being stuck in a holding cell, that would just fuel his martyr syndrome.

      • doingless@lemmy.world
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        10 months ago

        Yeah, somewhat wealthy former president, he’s probably thinking, “Why would I need to control myself?”