Opinion ID: 2263762
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 12

Heading: Respondent Continues to Disregard the Judge Blackburn's Admonitions

Text: When Respondent continued to disregard Judge Blackburn's numerous admonitions to stop talking while the Court was speaking, editorializing about evidence in front of the jury, and interrupting witnesses before they could complete their answers, Judge Blackburn terminated Respondent's cross-examination of a witness as a sanction. During an exchange outside the jury's presence, Judge Blackburn stated the following to Respondent: After being repeatedly admonished, warned by the court with the threat of sanction, including but not limited to termination of cross-examination, Mr. Brennan again violated this court's reasonable requirement, recognized by all courts, that he not editorialize during the propounding of a question or in connection with an answer. And yet, again he, in addressing this witness improperly, There is a straight answer. That personal comment on the evidence by an attorney in any court, including Federal Court, remains improper and inappropriate, the sanction for which is plaintiff's cross examination is now terminated. [16] Thereafter, Judge Blackburn reminded Respondent his conduct was the quintessence of contempt of court. [17] In this exchange, Respondent continued to argue with Judge Blackburn and refused to clear the podium when ordered to do so. [18] At this point, the court reporter became concerned that the presence of a United States Marshal might be required in order for Respondent to acknowledge Judge Blackburn's direct order. Further, the court reporter reasonably felt physically threatened by Respondent's behavior. The Hearing Board notes Respondent is a big man, at least six feet tall, with a stocky build and voice that booms, especially when he is angry or agitated as when the Court terminated his cross-examination.