Opinion ID: 2263762
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 14

Heading: Court Holds Respondent in Contempt

Text: On the final day of the trial, outside the presence of the jury during a bench conference, Judge Blackburn asked Respondent to make an offer of proof before calling a rebuttal witness. In his offer, Respondent stated he was calling the witness to cross-examine an official at the policy-making level on the subject of age discrimination. Respondent stated that the Court had precluded him from doing so and thereby deprived Mr. Cadorna an opportunity to present crucial evidence on that subject. Respondent went on to tell Judge Blackburn, If you want to take up any of my conduct in this trial, that's fine. Just so it doesn't affect this trial to the detriment of my client. [21] Judge Blackburn responded by stating, I have no personal or professional contempt for you. Respondent then stated, I have sensed otherwise, your Honor, with all due respect. Judge Blackburn again reminded Respondent that he had been admonished numerous times, but nevertheless continued to repeatedly insist on having the last word, even when the Court attempted to rule and move forward. Judge Blackburn characterized Respondent's conduct in this exchange as an attempt to bully the Court. The Hearing Board agrees with Judge Blackburn's characterization. Again during this exchange, Judge Blackburn admonished Respondent to stop talking while the Court was speaking. And again, Respondent refused to abide by the Court's order stating, I am not trying to bully you, sir. [22] Judge Blackburn then excused the jury and fined Respondent $500.00 for what the Court described as contemptuous behavior. [23] Respondent sarcastically responded, May I inquire while we are waiting when you want that paid, your Honor? In light of the numerous admonitions Judge Blackburn issued to Respondent before this last exchange, the Hearing Board has no doubt Respondent intended to disrupt the proceedings. The Hearing Board finds Respondent's words and actions demonstrate clear and convincing evidence of his disrespect and contempt for the Court's authority. Respondent's repeated failure to abide by Judge Blackburn's authority also proves by clear and convincing evidence that he intended to disrupt the tribunal. While the Hearing Board finds the written record alone supports our findings on Respondent's intent to disrupt the proceedings, we also note the court reporter's testimony, supported by her contemporaneous notes made during the trial concerning Respondent's conduct, corroborates our findings. Never before in her years of reporting had she ever found it necessary to take notes on an attorney's conduct during a trial. Respondent's words and actions were so physically and verbally threatening that this veteran court reporter felt she might have to summon a United States Marshal to maintain order. The court reporter testified to Respondent's rude behavior, his facial expressions following Judge Blackburn's rulings, and to the inappropriate comment he made to her during a recess suggesting Judge Blackburn was doing everything he could to help the City win the case. The Hearing Board finds this testimony to be credible because she witnessed and recorded the entire trial making specific notes about Respondent's behavior, including Respondent's conduct outside the presence of the jury.