Judicial language has a reputation of being a bit, well, stiff. When your words represent the court and the profession, there is an expectation for judges to speak in a way that is measured, neutral, and non-accusatory. While that is the expectation, it isn’t always met. A Baton Rouge judge is getting attention for her colorful use of words in her courtroom. From WAFB:
Prosecutors with District Attorney Hillar Moore’s office recently found themselves before a district court judge who accused the DA’s office of just wanting to “stick every ni**er in jail,” according to a court transcript of the April 2024 proceeding inside the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. Judge Eboni Johnson Rose made those comments shortly after questioning prosecutors about multiple delays in the case of a Black man accused of domestic violence.
She said it appeared prosecutors had not even contacted the alleged abuse victim in two years. When asked about it, one of the prosecutors explained to the judge that he had just gotten the case.
According to the court minutes, things came to a head when Judge Rose realized this was the fourth time the case would be rescheduled. That’s when she called attorneys to the bench for a conference and things went off the rails.
The judge’s “off the rails” comments are as follows:
JUDGE ROSE: The young man doesn’t have any fricking felonies. And, I know that the DA probably wants every young black man in prison, but I don’t. And I’m going to give these young people the opportunity to have a life. And I hope that’s what ya’ll want too.
PROSECUTOR MORGAN: Of course, your honor.
JUDGE ROSE: This is the fourth time. And this case is god damn four years old now. And that’s the best that ya’ll can come up with? You’re just going to, what, stick every ni**er in jail?”
PROSECUTOR MORGAN: Your honor, that is not at all the intention of the District Attorney’s Office.
The general sentiment seems to be wrapped up with the question why she would say something so controversial yet so brave. On one hand, it looks like they’ve been holding this charge over the guy’s head for years. On the other, she said a bad word. Was her language a breach of decorum? Sure. But she has a point that they could cut the guy some slack rather than reschedule for the Nth time.
The District Attorney didn’t take too kindly to the accusation and responded along the lines of not seeing the color of the cases that come in, just victims and defendants.
Friendly reminder for everyone to watch their language in the courtroom. Judges included. At least this blunder didn’t result in any mistrials.
Chris Williams
