I Write the Sentence: Judge Sentences Noise Violators to Listen to Barry Manilow

In what may be the first acoustic Eighth Amendment violation for cruel and unusual punishment, Fort Lupton Municipal Judge Paul Sacco has sentenced noise violators to listen to music that they do not like. I can barely stand hearing I Write the Songs once a year in an elevator. I often claw at the door to get out a floor early. On the serious side, it is the latest in a dangerous trend of novel punishments where judges appear to have sport with citizens pulled before them.

Sacco makes violators sit four times a year to listen to music by Manilow, Barney the Dinosaur, and The Platters’ crooning “Only You.” He told the media, “These people should have to listen to music they don’t like.”

Let’s be honest: these novel punishments are designed primarily to get notoriety for the judges and not to succeed in any meaningful reform for offenders. The media and the public love the stories. The elected judge receives badly needed press — free of charge. This trend, however, is ruining our court system as judges act like little Caesars, toying with citizens to make them do humiliating or humorous acts. For a prior column, click here. For prior stories, click here.

For the full story, click here.

For those who want to feel the pain, here you go:

I’ve been alive forever, and I wrote the very first song
I put the words and the melodies together
I am music and I write the songs

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girls cry
I write the songs, I write the songs

My home lies deep within you
And I’ve got my own place in your soul
Now, when I look out through your eyes
I’m young again, even though I’m very old

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girl cry
I write the songs, I write the songs

Oh my music makes you dance
And gives you spirit to take a chance
And I wrote some rock ‘n’ roll so you can move
Music fills your heart
Well, that’s a real fine place to start
It’s from me it’s for you
It’s from you, it’s for me
It’s a worldwide symphony

I write the songs that make the whole world sing
I write the songs of love and special things
I write the songs that make the young girl cry
I write the songs, I write the songs