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Judges have an enormous amount of power, especially in their own courtrooms, where they often become transformed into cheap imitation kings and queens. And, when it comes to “all things law” they are in fact… the ultimate authority.
Worse yet, their own private emotions and mental health usually set the tone for the days or weeks proceedings ahead. True, judges are supposed to be neutral in the pursuit of justice. But once a judge’s impatience and latent “lust for power” kicks in, the results are predictably pathetic.
In the video above, pay close attention to the interaction between judge Ehrlich, a Broward County Circuit Judge and Sandra Twiggs, a mom who was in court facing misdemeanor charges for fighting with her daughter over what direction air from the family fan should flow. Two people. One fan. Hot day. Big problem.
Surly Judge Runs Out Of Patience
Watch Judge Ehrlich berate Twiggs who is confined to a wheelchair. Judge Ehrlich doesn’t seem to care that the defendant needs oxygen, not just to breath but to speak as well. Twiggs’s family has said she suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and needed a breathing treatment.
The real abuse begins when Twiggs attempts to give Judge Ehrlich the detailed information that the Judge asked for, but then for some reason seemed unwilling to listen. Frustrated, she turns to public defender Howard Finkelstein.
“Will you say something into the mic so that she can hear you and you’re able to give her directions about propriety in the court?” The judge states.
Then it’s “you’ve said too much” as Twiggs attempts to answer a different question. “I’m not going to spend all day with her interrupting me” she said complaining to Finkelstein.
Twiggs was held and then released without bond. Twiggs has no criminal background or history.
Twiggs Found Dead In Her Home
Tragically, Twiggs was discovered dead in her bed by her sister the next day. Her family and friends are despondent by her passing as well as the treatment in court she recieved.
Carolyn Porter, a friend of Twiggs said: “She came home so devastated she could not catch her breath.” Twiggs had obviously been traumatized by her day in court.
Porter also told the Miami Herald that once Twiggs was discharged from jail and taken straight home, she was hungry, dizzy and couldn’t catch her breath. To add insult to injury, Twiggs couldn’t get her medications while in the jail, Porter said.
Broward Public Defender Howard Finkelstein called the whole ordeal “aggressive and tyrannical behavior and revealed her lack of emotional fitness to sit on the bench.”
“All that was required was a bit of patience, and a little bit of respect to allow this lady to talk, to collect herself and to breathe.”
So what do you think?
Is it possible to get justice anymore?
