A Michigan trial judge has ordered a stay-at-home mom to attend a murder trial as a spectator and then to do 24 hours in jail because she was 20 minutes late to jury selection due to her mother’s oral surgery and child care arrangements that fell through.Carmela Khury, was juggling child care, her mother’s surgery, and a summons to appear for jury duty.
When she was late for jury selection because her mother was having surgery, a backup babysitter fell through and her husband was already at work, she called the court. Told the judge would arrest her if she didn't appear, she arrived late along with her 8-month-old and 3-year-old, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Acting without a hearing, advisement of rights, or appointed counsel—and with no opportunity to present a defense, Judge Leo Bowman found her in contempt, ordered her to sit as a spectator for the expected two-week-long murder trial and sentenced her to 24 hours in the county jail, and ordered her to report to jail immediately after the trial.
What a gentleman!
In addition to holding Khury for days, the judge also detained Ramesh Sapra, a businessman, who told Bowman jury service would cause his small company harm because it was facing an upcoming deadline.
Fortunately for the people of the great state of Michigan—as well as Judge Leo Bowman’s future victims of this walking violation of civil rights—Judge Bowman is under investigation by Michigan judicial watchdog authorities.
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