Trial by jury, Al. The guy on the bench wasn't as important as you would like to think. 
And the cop was obviously smarter than either the two thugs you refer to or the cross-examining lawyer who was 'hoisted on his own petard'. 
Or are you suggesting that lawyers and judges are deserving of such reverence that to challenge or, god forbid, ridicule them in court when they make asses of themselves, should be avoided for fear of the jude's wrath? Perhaps you should read, "The Balcony" by that great French playwright (and criminal) Jean Genet. That might correct your arrogant - and somewhat out-of-touch with mainstream attitudes - perspective on the legal profession. 
But then perhaps you think all authority figures in society -pedophile priests, lying cops, incompetent doctors, et al. - should automatically be granted respect and given a free pass.
But not common men. Hell no! Prosecute them. 'We believe her!' Even if the Ghomeshi trial literally exposed the Empress with no clothes.

Labels: moderation: toxicity