Tuesday, August 22, 2023

Juror Sleeps Through Testimony

 A juror fell asleep for 40 minutes during the "Polo" Edwards trial today.  You can't make this up.  Watch Judge Peterson discusses the episode at 1:12:00. 


37 comments:

Anonymous said...

What an incompetent judge. She should have immediately stopped the testimony. At this point that juror should be excused and replaced with an alternate.

Anonymous said...

Just the average “jury of your peers” from Hinds County.

Anonymous said...

Yeah, gonna need some time stamps dawg, not watching an hour and 25 minute video. I’d probably fall asleep.

Anonymous said...

It truly is a shame that someone places so little value on their constitutional rights so as to waste it by sleeping through jury service.

Anonymous said...

It truly is a shame that someone places so little value on their constitutional rights so as to waste it by sleeping through jury service.

Anonymous said...

My read is that person will be a not guilty vote.

Anonymous said...

Hmmm...someone who doesn't value the life of another. Sounds like a jury of Polo's peers alright!

Perry Mason said...

Her discussion on the sleeping juror starts at 1:11:30

Anonymous said...

How do we find the 1:12:00 point? I am asleep and cannot see it.

Anonymous said...

Lawyers often do not realize the somnolence of their sophomoric soliloquies. If your opening is that bad....

Anonymous said...

Once upon a time I had an opponent who comnplained to the Judge that a couple of the jurors were falling to sleep and the Judge admonished "Well you're the one putting them to sleep"!!

Everyone laughed and the Jurors woke up.

Anonymous said...

"What an incompetent judge".....I get sick of people criticizing the job when they have never done the job. The judge did what was right. She replaced her with an alternate. The judge paid attention to when the prosecutors didnt and when the defense attorney (who is probably one of the best defense attorneys in the country) Unless you are going to post your qualifications for us to compare to Judge Peterson, please dont criticize behind a keyboard.

I have tried cases. People fall asleep. It happens. Judges handle it differently, but that's life.

Anonymous said...

Why pick on the person sitting as a jury member. I mean, what else do you have to do when you already know how your voting.

Anonymous said...

That’s a long nap in a room full of people. Are they not allowed to say hey juror, wake the hell up? Also, right after it seems that Peterson must have got a message about the news crew that was filming. She checks her iPhone messages and looks up directly at the camera.
G.

Anonymous said...

Peterson is not incompetent. The jurors might be. The prosecution might be. But she has a lot of sense. I’ve worked with her.

Anonymous said...

Courtroom lawyer commenting: many a juror has slept through part of a trial in counties all around our great state. In fact, I’ve watched more than one judge outside Hinds County sleep through part of a trial. These things happen, have always happened and will likely continue to happen. 1:09 nails it - both of them.

As for “news crew that was filming” comment, your leap to a conclusion is funny. The entire trial was live-streamed through the court/county system. The judge had to approve this - and the cameras in the courtroom - and thus knew it was occurring. Not the first time Peterson has allowed cameras, and I for one appreciate her opening the courtroom to all of us who don’t want to sit down there in person.

Remove the napper, replace with an alternate and continue. Or declare a mistrial and start again. Criticism against Judge Peterson in this case is unwarranted.

Anonymous said...

3:55 I once saw a judge order a juror to jail for contempt of court because they showed up at jury selection wearing a t shirt that said "sh*t happens." The judge explained the importance of the court process and that the sanctity of the proceedings must be maintained, even as an issue of decorum. A sleeping juror is showing outward contempt for the proceedings because they are actively choosing to be disengaged from the case. What's more, it harms the interests of both sides. That's serious, so tote water for Peterson if you wish but she should have taken it more seriously.

Anonymous said...

I expected to see an incompetent judge just because it's Jackson, but shame on me I guess. What I saw was a model judge for noticing and explaining the situation clearly and making a good clear decision.

Anonymous said...

Peterson may not be incompetent, however it is most unprofessional for a judge to be playing with her phone while court is in session.

Anonymous said...

If someone doesn't want to serve as a juror, They can always have their name(s) removed form the voter roles?.... Simple as that.

Anonymous said...


What difference does it make if wasn't snoring too loud? His mind was probably made up before the trial even started.

Anonymous said...


What difference does it make if he wasn't snoring too loud? Mind was probably already made up before the trial started.

Oddball said...

12:34, your criticism of the judge is way off base. The alternate was right there listening to all of the testimony, so timing of the replacement was not an issue. The judge decided to do it after consulting with, and getting concurrences, from both sides, and did it in a much less disruptive way than what you suggested. I like the discretion she showed.

Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves?

Anonymous said...

For the few Peterson bootlickers, Faye is a big part of the reason Jackson is overrun with violent crime. Way too many blessings gifted.

Anonymous said...

All these complaints from folks who always find a way to get out of jury duty.

anonymous said...

I recall a Chancellor falling asleep and one of the lawyers chastising the judge for nodding off.
RMQ

South Jacksonian said...

Thank you, Judge Peterson, for validating my vote for you. If I were facing judgment from a jury of my peers, with the options being dying in Parchman prison, or freedom, I would be terrified. I would certainly want those standing in judgment of me to at least halfway pay attention to the evidence.

This juror didn't even pretend to pay attention. She should not have been there. How dare she. The level of disregard for someone else's *LIFE* is appalling.

Thank you for addressing it after the attorneys failed to. Good job.

Anonymous said...

Those of you looking for the judge to chastise the juror need to remember, jurors did not volunteer or ask to be selected. The juror is not on trial. The judge handled the situation fairly for both sides and that's what's important.

Anonymous said...

The dullards among you who have said the juror was not on trial, was not there voluntarily and had no obligation must have missed the part where the judge, every judge, admonishes (commands) the seated jurors to listen carefully to the evidence being presented.

A juror cannot follow that instruction while asleep, and was therefore, literally, in contempt.

Anonymous said...

It's possible the herein condemned juror was sleepy because of medication. I take many prescribed meds each day and require a daily nap as well, so disqualify myself as a juror by letter to the Court if summoned.

Anonymous said...

@7:15 you are beyond wrong. Peterson had dockets down to less than a year when she was voted out. Everyone in Jackson (white community) went big against her because of Frank Meltdown. So y’all got Robert Shuler Smith in a landslide. Brilliant move because he really cleaned up after Peterson and showed Northeast Jackson a level of safety never seen before. Bravo congrats for knocking on thousands of doors for RSS. You got what you deserve, now crawl back in your bottle of mediocrity.

Doghaus said...

Tommie Green...is that you

Kingfish said...

Thought she handled it fine. She immediately notified both parties. They all agreed on her solution. Alternate juror was there and interruption was kept to a minimum.

Kingfish said...

RSS was ok his first term. Hired good prosecutors such as Rogillo and Beasley. Then he started running everyone off and those who were there were scared to do their jobs. Then his little recreational habit got out of control.

PittPanther said...

7:51am, since you are on medication that makes you sleepy and unable to stay awake during a trial, I assume you have turned in your driver's license?

Anonymous said...

7:51 is obviously a union member. Whenever a termination is at hand regarding an employee who has been discovered asleep, on-shift, multiple times...the union's first squawk is always, "He might be on medication and therefore just sleepy and needing a break" or "He was resting his eyes".

Right, rocked back in a folding chair under a stairwell.

Anonymous said...

Court is boring. Trust me. It will put you to sleep. Well, maybe nosey people can stay awake, but I can't.


Recent Comments

Search Jackson Jambalaya

Subscribe to JJ's Youtube channel

Archives

Trollfest '09

Trollfest '07 was such a success that Jackson Jambalaya will once again host Trollfest '09. Catch this great event which will leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Othor Cain and his band, The Black Power Structure headline the night while Sonjay Poontang returns for an encore performance. Former Frank Melton bodyguard Marcus Wright makes his premier appearance at Trollfest singing "I'm a Sweet Transvestite" from "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Kamikaze will sing his new hit, “How I sold out to da Man.” Robbie Bell again performs: “Mamas, don't let your babies grow up to be Bells” and “Any friend of Ed Peters is a friend of mine”. After the show, Ms. Bell will autograph copies of her mug shot photos. In a salute to “Dancing with the Stars”, Ms. Bell and Hinds County District Attorney Robert Smith will dance the Wango Tango.

Wrestling returns, except this time it will be a Battle Royal with Othor Cain, Ben Allen, Kim Wade, Haley Fisackerly, Alan Lange, and “Big Cat” Donna Ladd all in the ring at the same time. The Battle Royal will be in a steel cage, no time limit, no referee, and the losers must leave town. Marshand Crisler will be the honorary referee (as it gives him a title without actually having to do anything).


Meet KIM Waaaaaade at the Entergy Tent. For five pesos, Kim will sell you a chance to win a deed to a crack house on Ridgeway Street stuffed in the Howard Industries pinata. Don't worry if the pinata is beaten to shreds, as Mr. Wade has Jose, Emmanuel, and Carlos, all illegal immigrants, available as replacements for the it. Upon leaving the Entergy tent, fig leaves will be available in case Entergy literally takes everything you have as part of its Trollfest ticket price adjustment charge.

Donna Ladd of The Jackson Free Press will give several classes on learning how to write. Smearing, writing without factchecking, and reporting only one side of a story will be covered. A donation to pay their taxes will be accepted and she will be signing copies of their former federal tax liens. Ms. Ladd will give a dramatic reading of her two award-winning essays (They received The Jackson Free Press "Best Of" awards.) "Why everything is always about me" and "Why I cover murders better than anyone else in Jackson".

In the spirit of helping those who are less fortunate, Trollfest '09 adopts a cause for which a portion of the proceeds and donations will be donated: Keeping Frank Melton in his home. The “Keep Frank Melton From Being Homeless” booth will sell chances for five dollars to pin the tail on the jackass. John Reeves has graciously volunteered to be the jackass for this honorable excursion into saving Frank's ass. What's an ass between two friends after all? If Mr. Reeves is unable to um, perform, Speaker Billy McCoy has also volunteered as when the word “jackass” was mentioned he immediately ran as fast as he could to sign up.


In order to help clean up the legal profession, Adam Kilgore of the Mississippi Bar will be giving away free, round-trip plane tickets to the North Pole where they keep their bar complaint forms (which are NOT available online). If you don't want to go to the North Pole, you can enjoy Brant Brantley's (of the Mississippi Commission on Judicial Performance) free guided tours of the quicksand field over by High Street where all complaints against judges disappear. If for some reason you are unable to control yourself, never fear; Judge Houston Patton will operate his jail where no lawyers are needed or allowed as you just sit there for minutes... hours.... months...years until he decides he is tired of you sitting in his jail. Do not think Judge Patton is a bad judge however as he plans to serve free Mad Dog 20/20 to all inmates.

Trollfest '09 is a pet-friendly event as well. Feel free to bring your dog with you and do not worry if your pet gets hungry, as employees of the Jackson Zoo will be on hand to provide some of their animals as food when it gets to be feeding time for your little loved one.

Relax at the Fox News Tent. Since there are only three blonde reporters in Jackson (being blonde is a requirement for working at Fox News), Megan and Kathryn from WAPT and Wendy from WLBT will be on loan to Fox. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both and a torn-up Obama yard sign will entitle you to free drinks served by Megan, Wendy, and Kathryn. Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required. Just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '09 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.


Note: Security provided by INS.

Trollfest '07

Jackson Jambalaya is the home of Trollfest '07. Catch this great event which promises to leave NE Jackson & Fondren in flames. Sonjay Poontang and his band headline the night with a special steel cage, no time limit "loser must leave town" bout between Alan Lange and "Big Cat"Donna Ladd following afterwards. Kamikaze will perform his new song F*** Bush, he's still a _____. Did I mention there was no referee? Dr. Heddy Matthias and Lori Gregory will face off in the undercard dueling with dangling participles and other um, devices. Robbie Bell will perform Her two latest songs: My Best Friends are in the Media and Mama's, Don't Let Your Babies Grow up to be George Bell. Sid Salter of The Clarion-Ledger will host "Pin the Tail on the Trial Lawyer", sponsored by State Farm.

There will be a hugging booth where in exchange for your young son, Frank Melton will give you a loooong hug. Trollfest will have a dunking booth where Muhammed the terrorist will curse you to Allah as you try to hit a target that will drop him into a vat of pig grease. However, in the true spirit of Separate But Equal, Don Imus and someone from NE Jackson will also sit in the dunking booth for an equal amount of time. Tom Head will give a reading for two hours on why he can't figure out who the hell he is. Cliff Cargill will give lessons with his .80 caliber desert eagle, using Frank Melton photos as targets. Tackleberry will be on hand for an autograph session. KIM Waaaaaade will be passing out free titles and deeds to crackhouses formerly owned by The Wood Street Players.

If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

This is definitely a Beaver production.

Note: Security provided by INS
.