Sunday, January 31, 2010
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
A disCOURTeous yawn ended US man in jail
By: Jerome Tan (09) 3B
A man imprisoned for yawning. Yes, you heard it right. And he was slapped the maximum penalty of six months of jail promptly after that. The reason? The yawning was "loud and boisterous" and "was offensive to the court". This sparks a little controversy: Has the judge overreacted? I shall hence explore the implications of the judge’s decision and its reasons, taking the stand that the judge has indeed reacted disproportionately.
Having done intensive research on various riveting cause célèbre court cases, this case amused me most. In essence, my experience tells me that the judge’s decision will lead to disgruntlement and the loss of respect from the masses. My justifications are as follows:
Firstly, the penalty was too harsh. How is it that a few seconds of yawning disruption can earn one a six-month jail term? Six months are way out of proportion. Fortunately, the man, Williams, was liberated after three weeks, though this has not amount to any more justice to the case. Some may even question whether this is a misemployment of power or that the judge, Daniel Rozak, is attempting to defend his ego. If one takes a step back and reflects about the judge’s role, is it not his duty to protect citizens instead of intimidating them? One quintessential example proves the point that Williams’ punishment was indeed too harsh. In Judge Richard Schoenstedt's court one year, a woman disrupted the closing arguments of a trial by shouting, "This is bull ..." as she was led away. Held to the floor by a deputy, she "continued to be disruptive" even after being brought back before the judge. She received a seven-day sentence for contempt. Similarly, many others in other Will County courtrooms were awarded far less severe sentences for seemingly more flagrant offenses. As such, one can compare these cases to reach an undeniable conclusion that Rozak has been overly harsh, and few will be pleased by his decision.
Secondly, sentencing someone to jail for a mere yawning is a waste of time and taxpayers’ money. Not only will there be numerous time-wasting processes and complications, the prisoner will have six months of his life fritted away over so insignificant a “crime”. In addition, “the average annual cost per prisoner [in the U.S.] was $23,876” (extracted from Orlando Sentinel). This means that a profusion of taxpayers’ money will go into housing, feeding and providing welfare and other necessities to Williams and other prisoners. So ludicrous it may seem, and Rozak has clearly not spared a thought for these people who have been toiling so hard to sustain those behind bars.
However, most will agree on the proposition that Williams should be held responsible for his actions for being arrogant and disrespectful in a courtroom. A respectful person would have his mouth covered and suppress the yawn; the court of law must be respected. Said Charles Pelkie, spokesman for the Will County state's attorney's office, “This was a very loud, boisterous, deliberate attempt on the part of this individual to disrupt the proceedings and show disrespect to the court, it was not a guy who involuntarily yawned.” (But Mayfield, Williams’ cousin, disagreed, saying it was "not an outrageous yawn." Williams has also written to his family to say that he cannot believe he was in jail "for nothing.")
Nevertheless, the point I was driving at is that the penalty was too harsh that people will be discontented. I do agree that Williams was being disrespectful, but he could have first been given a stern warning, or at most be severely admonished by the judge for inappropriate behavior in a courtroom. This is as far as this should have gone.
Indeed, I feel that Williams was rather unmindful of his behavior in court, but the penalty given to him was unjustified and have negative implications. Maybe drowsy spectators in the courtroom might want to stifle their yawns from now on.
A man imprisoned for yawning. Yes, you heard it right. And he was slapped the maximum penalty of six months of jail promptly after that. The reason? The yawning was "loud and boisterous" and "was offensive to the court". This sparks a little controversy: Has the judge overreacted? I shall hence explore the implications of the judge’s decision and its reasons, taking the stand that the judge has indeed reacted disproportionately.
Having done intensive research on various riveting cause célèbre court cases, this case amused me most. In essence, my experience tells me that the judge’s decision will lead to disgruntlement and the loss of respect from the masses. My justifications are as follows:
Firstly, the penalty was too harsh. How is it that a few seconds of yawning disruption can earn one a six-month jail term? Six months are way out of proportion. Fortunately, the man, Williams, was liberated after three weeks, though this has not amount to any more justice to the case. Some may even question whether this is a misemployment of power or that the judge, Daniel Rozak, is attempting to defend his ego. If one takes a step back and reflects about the judge’s role, is it not his duty to protect citizens instead of intimidating them? One quintessential example proves the point that Williams’ punishment was indeed too harsh. In Judge Richard Schoenstedt's court one year, a woman disrupted the closing arguments of a trial by shouting, "This is bull ..." as she was led away. Held to the floor by a deputy, she "continued to be disruptive" even after being brought back before the judge. She received a seven-day sentence for contempt. Similarly, many others in other Will County courtrooms were awarded far less severe sentences for seemingly more flagrant offenses. As such, one can compare these cases to reach an undeniable conclusion that Rozak has been overly harsh, and few will be pleased by his decision.
Secondly, sentencing someone to jail for a mere yawning is a waste of time and taxpayers’ money. Not only will there be numerous time-wasting processes and complications, the prisoner will have six months of his life fritted away over so insignificant a “crime”. In addition, “the average annual cost per prisoner [in the U.S.] was $23,876” (extracted from Orlando Sentinel). This means that a profusion of taxpayers’ money will go into housing, feeding and providing welfare and other necessities to Williams and other prisoners. So ludicrous it may seem, and Rozak has clearly not spared a thought for these people who have been toiling so hard to sustain those behind bars.
However, most will agree on the proposition that Williams should be held responsible for his actions for being arrogant and disrespectful in a courtroom. A respectful person would have his mouth covered and suppress the yawn; the court of law must be respected. Said Charles Pelkie, spokesman for the Will County state's attorney's office, “This was a very loud, boisterous, deliberate attempt on the part of this individual to disrupt the proceedings and show disrespect to the court, it was not a guy who involuntarily yawned.” (But Mayfield, Williams’ cousin, disagreed, saying it was "not an outrageous yawn." Williams has also written to his family to say that he cannot believe he was in jail "for nothing.")
Nevertheless, the point I was driving at is that the penalty was too harsh that people will be discontented. I do agree that Williams was being disrespectful, but he could have first been given a stern warning, or at most be severely admonished by the judge for inappropriate behavior in a courtroom. This is as far as this should have gone.
Indeed, I feel that Williams was rather unmindful of his behavior in court, but the penalty given to him was unjustified and have negative implications. Maybe drowsy spectators in the courtroom might want to stifle their yawns from now on.
Jailed for yawning
Article: http://www.postchronicle.com/news/strange/article_212250333.shtml
Clifton Williams Yawn and Jail Time: 6 Months!
Ever hear yawning can be seen as an insult? According to reports Clifton Williams didn't know yawning could get you six months in jail but he'll never forget it. In a strange turn of events, Williams faced contempt in court after letting out an enormous yawn in a court room in front of the judge.
According to NBC New York, "Circuit Judge Daniel Rozak thought the yawn was criminal and sentenced Williams to six months in jail, the maximum penalty for contempt of court without a jury trial. Rozak's order said that Williams "raised his hands while at the same time making a loud yawning sound," causing a disrespectful interruption in court."
Jason Mayfield, Williams cousin, pleaded guilty and walked away from court freely as Williams is faced with three weeks behind bars for his yawn. He got the highest Contempt of court charge he could get but will get out early as a warning.
Judge Daniel Rozak is reportedly no stranger for putting anyone in jail who contempt court. He apparently has the highest amount of sentences for infractions involving cell phones in court in Will County according to NBC. Now that is one guy you do not want to piss off. (c) tPC
Clifton Williams Yawn and Jail Time: 6 Months!
Ever hear yawning can be seen as an insult? According to reports Clifton Williams didn't know yawning could get you six months in jail but he'll never forget it. In a strange turn of events, Williams faced contempt in court after letting out an enormous yawn in a court room in front of the judge.
According to NBC New York, "Circuit Judge Daniel Rozak thought the yawn was criminal and sentenced Williams to six months in jail, the maximum penalty for contempt of court without a jury trial. Rozak's order said that Williams "raised his hands while at the same time making a loud yawning sound," causing a disrespectful interruption in court."
Jason Mayfield, Williams cousin, pleaded guilty and walked away from court freely as Williams is faced with three weeks behind bars for his yawn. He got the highest Contempt of court charge he could get but will get out early as a warning.
Judge Daniel Rozak is reportedly no stranger for putting anyone in jail who contempt court. He apparently has the highest amount of sentences for infractions involving cell phones in court in Will County according to NBC. Now that is one guy you do not want to piss off. (c) tPC
Thursday, May 14, 2009
ERP
By: Jerome Tan Yuan Ce (9) 3B
2a) Write about a place that you would like to share with others, and describe how it became significant to you.
The morning was frosty and wet with a brisk wind sweeping the rain across the beach. As I ambled feebly along the waters, the icy morn air knifed through my clothes. Fresh air filled my lungs, causing me to feel refreshed and exhilarated. Nevertheless, this feeling was ephemeral, and my frail and delicate body compelled me to a halt. My hands were trembling, the umbrella above me quivering uncontrollably, as I allowed the pounding of the waves to penetrate my thoughts.
Then, I reminisced about the beautiful and fond memories I have at this very beach; this was the place where my heart was buried and where it shall forever rest…
I remembered vividly my most memorable encounter with this place.
The sun then was shining luminously and the water glittered invitingly. My girlfriend, Jasmine, and I were sauntering lovingly on the beach as we chattered interminably about anything under the sun.
Possessing a pair of bright sparkling eyes and exquisitely arched eyebrows with rosy red cheeks, Jasmine’s charm never failed to captivate anyone. As slender as a willow was her form, and as always, she wore a cheerful, endearing smile.
Today was an extraordinarily special day for me; I could even feel the waves of acid welled up from my belly. Never was I this anxious before, especially so if I was with Jasmine.
I intended to propose to her today.
As I fidgeted uncontrollably, Jasmine seemed to have noticed my anxiety and asked me what was amiss. I blushed. Verifying that there was almost no one in the vicinity, I hastily fell onto my knees, presented her a gleaming diamond ring, and asked, “Will you marry me?”
Suddenly, without any warning, rain began pelting down from the heavens, followed by a flash of forked lightning and a great clap of thunder coming close upon each other.
“Hurry!” Jasmine exclaimed, “Let’s take shelter first!”
“Not until you say ‘yes’,” I replied.
Jasmine obviously panicked, and nodded forthwith, followed by a “yes, yes”, before gesticulating for me to follow her.
“Not until you put on the ring…”
This time, Jasmine had stopped panicking. It seemed as though thoughts of the rain have been wholly expunged from her mind. Steadily, she put on the ring, before jumping hysterically into my loving arms. Soon, we were kissing each other, drowned in the romantic ambience of the rain…
Tears welled up in my eyes. Returning to reality, I smiled faintly upon the recollection of that very moment. It was then memories of Jasmine’s death haunted me, again…
It all began when Jasmine was swimming so merrily in the waters of this very beach.
Eventide was then approaching; the sea bathed in a golden hue by the gentle sunlight. I strolled leisurely along the waters, feeling the sand trickled my toes, as I witnessed Jasmine swimming buoyantly.
“You sure you aren’t swimming? It’s really fun down here!” Jasmine exclaimed.
I shook my head, pointing to my injured arm.
Jasmine smiled. It was then the tide became rougher and rougher.
“Get out Jasmine! Get out!”
Jasmine panicked. Frantically, she paddled towards shore. But she was too late. A vicious tide came and took her away with it.
I cried. Without further hesitation, I dived straight into the waters and everything went blur in the next moment.
My life was saved, but not Jasmine’s.
Apparently, I was washed ashore. Jasmine, on the other hand, was nowhere to be found…
A sudden gust of wind swept the umbrella off my hands, and the heavens chided me as it sent showers of rain down onto my shivering body. Soon, I totally lost control over my emotions. Tears flowed like a dam unleashed, cascading down my cheeks unabated. I shut my eyes, allowing my emotions to torment me.
This beach…the storeroom of my most significant bitter sweet memories…
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Response
I think that people will do good to others because they want people to do good to them or they want fame, popularity, a good reputation etc.
Maybe I'm too practical...
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Stem Cell Research-HUH???
As quoted from US President Barack Obama, "I believe that the restrictions that President Bush has placed on funding of human embryonic stem cell research have handcuffed our scientists..." Well, I agree with his statement fully. Stem cell research, in my opinion, is more of a boon than a bane, and if appropriate methods are used to conduct the research, it will indubitably be very beneficial to mankind.
Stem cell research has numerous benefits, one of which is the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Admit it, if you are the patient, you most likely be yearning for yourself to be treated, really fast. You will not want to waste your time debating in your head whether conducting the stem cell research, the cause celebre topic, is ethical of not. Especially if you are in great pain and whining incessantly on the hospital bed, the more you would want to be treated. The cure? It may be a result from stem cell research. Conducting stem cell research will enable one to better understand the cell development and would thus aid in the correction of certain cell-related medical illness, an example of which is cancer. In addition, cells and tissues for medical therapies can be created too. As such, with the above...
Reference:
- http://cellnews-blog.blogspot.com/2008/09/barack-obama-on-stem-cell-research.html
- http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/health.asp
Stem cell research has numerous benefits, one of which is the treatment of a wide range of diseases. Admit it, if you are the patient, you most likely be yearning for yourself to be treated, really fast. You will not want to waste your time debating in your head whether conducting the stem cell research, the cause celebre topic, is ethical of not. Especially if you are in great pain and whining incessantly on the hospital bed, the more you would want to be treated. The cure? It may be a result from stem cell research. Conducting stem cell research will enable one to better understand the cell development and would thus aid in the correction of certain cell-related medical illness, an example of which is cancer. In addition, cells and tissues for medical therapies can be created too. As such, with the above...
Reference:
- http://cellnews-blog.blogspot.com/2008/09/barack-obama-on-stem-cell-research.html
- http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/health.asp
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