Judge Sherri Collins of Seminole County, Florida, made national news this week after she berated a sobbing domestic violence victim, held her in contempt, and threw her in jail for skipping her abuser’s trial. The state subpoenaed the woman to testify against her ex-boyfriend. Yes, you’re supposed to obey subpoenas. Yes, the prosecutor, jurors, and court were inconvenienced by the woman’s nonappearance. The judge acted properly in scheduling a contempt hearing and ordering the woman to appear before her to explain why she disobeyed the subpoena. But the whole purpose of such a hearing is to listen to what the person says and take it under consideration. The woman explained she was suffering from depression and anxiety, and wanted to put the violent incident behind her and move on with her life. The judge took no pity on her. The victim’s mental state apparently meant nothing to Judge Collins. She berated the woman and sentenced her to three days in jail. (Note: Judge Collins will be up for re-election in 2021.) The video below captures the judge’s disgusting conduct. Read the story here and here and here. Personally, I think this judge should resign.
https://youtu.be/mPpey87zMh0