The Judge Finally Lost Her Patience With the Rude Defendant… Then She Walked Out of the Courtroom

The courtroom in Phoenix, Arizona was already tense when Brianna Cole entered it. The twenty-nine-year-old American woman walked towards the defense table, dressed in an orange jail uniform with her hands cuffed in front of her. She was tired, upset, and

most of all, she didn’t want to be there. On the other side of the gallery, Brianna’s mother, Denise, sat with her hands folded in her lap. She had come to eve

ry hearing she could, despite seeing her daughter suffer. By her side, her lawyer Michael Turner stood while trying to keep a straight face.

At the bench sat judge Helen Marshall, an experienced judge who had heard of more than a few stories on Brianna’s case. After skimming through the papers in front of her, she looked up and at Brianna. “Ms. Cole, before proceeding to the next part of your hearing, I r

equest that you answer a few questions”, she said. Brianna sighed. “Okay”. Judge Marshall asked her about one of the court’s previous orders. Brianna shrugg

ed. “I don’t remember.” Michael leaned over and whispered to her. Brianna looked at him and whispered back. “I am answering.”

“Ms. Cole, the court records show that you were given specific instructions,” said the judge. Brianna interrupted her. “Yeah, and I did what I could.” Judge

Marshall paused. “I didn’t finish the question”. Brianna rolled her eyes. “I know what you’re going to say.” Michael warned her quietly. “Brianna, please”. She turned to look at him. “Why do you keep telling me to be quiet? I’m the one standing here.” Michael answered gently. “Because I’m trying to help you.”

“Ms. Cole, you need to understand that this courtroom is not the place to be arguing with your attorney or interrupting the court,” said the judge sharply. Brianna looked directly at her. “Well, maybe somebody s

hould listen to me” “You have been given several opportunities to speak

,” said the judge. Brianna laughed bitterly. “No, I haven’t. You already made up your mind about me” A few people in the gallery shifted uncomfortably. Her mother looked down at

the floor. “Brianna, this isn’t helping”, said Michael. That sentence, somehow, pushed Brianna over the edge.

“You don’t get it!” Brianna snapped at him. “Nobody gets it!” she said, turning to look at the judge instead. “Everybody sees my charges, my mistakes and this uniform.

Nobody sees what happened before all of this.” “Then explain it without disrespecting the court”, said Marshall. “How am I supposed to explain anything when n

obody wants to hear me?” replied Brianna. “Then explain it without disrespecting the court,” said the judge, “I am listening right now.” Brianna crossed her arms. “It doesn’t feel like it”.

Judge Marshall took a breath and attempted to continue. “Brianna, can I just get this over with”?” The judge fell silent. There was a moment of complete stillness in the cour

troom. Then, Brianna muttered something under her breath. Marshall looked up. “Ms. Cole, what did you just say?” Brianna shrugged. “Nothing.” “I heard you”, said the judge. “Then you heard me.”

“ENOUGH, MS. COLE!”

Her voice rang out in the courtroom, silencing everything. All eyes were on her as she turned to face Brianna.

“You have interrupted me several times, argued with your attorney, and been disrespectful of this court despite being given a number of opportunities to explain your situation.

She looked at Brianna, who was now visibly stunned. “You want people to understand what you’re going through? Then stop fighting off everyone who is trying to help you!”

Brianna’s anger melted away, revealing a frightened, sad look on her face.

“You may be angry, scared, believe that people have treated you unfairly. None of that gives you the right to treat everyone in this courtroom as your enemies”, said the judge.

She turned to Michael. “Your attorney has been standing beside you because he is trying to help you.” She turned to the gallery. “And your mother has been sitting there

watching all of this because she still believes there is something worth saving.”

Brianna suddenly looked at her mother. Denise was crying. Brianna’s lips trembled. “Mom…”

Denise didn’t say anything as she looked at her daughter.

Brianna lowered her head. “I’m sorry.” Michael whispered. “Brianna, just breathe.” She took a shaky breath and whispered. “I’m scared.”

The courtroom fell completely silent.

Judge Marshall looked at her. “What are you scared of?”

Brianna wiped her cheek with her shoulder. “Everything.” She paused. “I’m scared I’m going to lose my kids. I’m scared my mom is going to lose faith in me.

I’m scared I’m going to spend the rest of my life making the same mistakes and never get another chance.”

Her voice wavered.

“I’ve been angry because I don’t know how to say that I’m terrified.”

“Michael, you could have told me that”, said the judge quietly.

“I didn’t know how”, replied Brianna.

“Ms. Cole, fear does not excuse disrespect, but honesty gives us something to work with”. For a few seconds there was silence. Then the judge looked down at the papers in front of her. She looked emotionally drained. She slowly stood up from her seat.

“We’ll take a short recess”, she said. Brianna looked surprised. Judge Marshall got up from her bench, but before walking out of the courtroom, she looked back at Brianna.

“Use these few minutes to decide whether you want to continue fighting everyone in this room or not.”

Then she walked out of the side door.

The courtroom fell into complete silence.

Brianna stood there crying quietly. Michael gathered his papers and looked at her. “She’s right”, he said. Brianna nodded. “I know.” Her mother finally stood up from the gallery.

Brianna looked at her and whispered, “Mom, I’m sorry.” Denise wiped her tears. “Then don’t just say you’re sorry. Show me.” Brianna nodded. When Judge Marshall returned several

minutes later, the woman standing before her was visibly different. She was no longer arguing, interrupting or trying to prove anything to the judge.

The judge looked at her and asked, “Ms. Cole, do you understand what I am asking of you?” Brianna looked directly at her.

“Yes, your Honor.”

Judge Marshall nodded. “Brianna, and you’re sorry for your behavior”. “Yes, your Honor”, added Brianna.

The judge paused. “Thank you. That’s where we should have started.”

Brianna lowered her eyes, took a deep breath and finally stopped fighting the people who were trying to help her.

Learning

Sometimes anger is just a mask for fear, embarrassment and pain. We may think being rude and defensive makes us look stronger, but it actually alienates those who are trying to help. Change only takes place when we stop making excuses, admitting our wrongdoings, and become willing to listen.