Georgia Judge Marvin Arrington is accused of telling white lawyers to leave his courtroom and then lecturing young black defendants. He discusses his “mistake” in the video below.
Arrington does not deny separating white lawyers and black defendants to engage in some cathartic criticism. He told a local television station: “I came out and saw the defendants, about 99.9 percent Afro-Americans, and some point time I excused some of the lawyers, most of them white, and said to the young people in here ‘What in the world are you doing with your lives.'”
He further noted in ordering the lawyers out: “I didn’t think about racism or reverse racism, I practiced law for 30 years and 75 percent of my partners were white.”
Once again, whether ordering criminal defendants to court (here) or ordering prayer circle in court (here), judges seem to be increasingly forgetting their limits in creative sentencing or cathartic conduct. When you add a racial element, it becomes a particularly worrisome trend.
For the full story, click here.
UPDATE: Judge says ordering whites out was a “mistake.” Here.
For the video, click here.
I don’t know if I have something valuable to teach – you can be the judge of that. My comment springs from the “white hood” remark directed at Larry. I rhink he makes a valuable point, which has unfortunately been swept under the carper as racism. If this is indeed a forum for learners, why can’t his point be addressed more constructively?
Cleo,
Perhaps you can offer some instruction to help us become fit citizens of the planet you are on?
This has shown itself to be a community of learners, perhaps you have something valuable to teach!
What planet are you people from – you’re so PC it’s laughable.
To all:
I knew it. Right after I post a snide remark, we have a fine new poster who is complimenting us about our civility. Welcome ThisOldHippie, I promise to restrain my sarcasm until you get to know me better!
To ThisOldHippie: Welcome to the group. We disagree occasionally, but the regulars do our best to express it in a polite and respectful manner, with the verbal “poke in the ribs” now and then. 🙂
Larry, did you miss the earlier posts that criticized this judge for that action? If so, you might want to go back and read them, so your next post won’t look so….biased.
thisoldhippie:
It is a fairly civil site and was remarkably so until an influx of posters who used less civil ways of expressing themselves. I think though that we have recovered from the initial shock and are now returning to our old, courteous ways.
Welcome!
DW
thanks for the welcome. This seems like a great site.
Thisoldhippie:
Welcome to the club.
Wow, a forum in which people speak like humans and actually have intelligent conversations. I am impressed. Anyway, regarding this incident, it is completely improper for a judge to have a conversation with a defendant without the attorney present, period. I understand where the judge is coming from, but he cannot sit on the bench and have this conversation in this manner. Judges frequently are overstepping their bounds and acting like Judge Judy.
LARRY:
I am truly amazed you could see to type on your keyboard through that white hood.
If a white judge had done this you would hear people screaming from coast to coast. Why is that? I guess it’s fine for him since he’s black.
DW, same here. I used to enjoy good wine, though not too much at once. I can’t even remember the last time I had even half a glass. I THINK it was two or three years ago, then again….hmmm…. maybe there were times I had one too many after all. My memory is playing tricks on me. 🙂
True, true. Though health reasons have stopped me from doing much drinking for many a year now.
Deeply:
Undoubtedly valid. Sometimes “veritas” gets you into trouble and compels you to seek medical attention after enough “vino” in the wrong venue.
In vino humanitas?
Jill:
I like to think it’s the Dewars.
mespo,
You’ve got a really good heart.
Jill
Patty:
I prefer a Dewars Signature and a twist but your idea may work too.