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ATL Public Service Announcement: Procrastination Does Have Consequences

Is trouble brewing in Paradise? And no, we're not referring to the computer and wi-fi problems that are causing us to blog at a somewhat sluggish leisurely pace today, here in sunny Miami.

We now bring you a bit of local color, about procrastinating court reporters in south Florida. From the Miami Herald:

A Broward judge on Friday jailed a stenographer for contempt of court, saying she had failed for months to deliver a transcript needed to move forward with a defendant's appeal.

Circuit Judge Charles Greene said he will release stenographer Ann Margaret Smith, 44, as soon as she completes the transcript.

He said he issued orders for Smith's equipment and notes to be sent to the jail, and for the Broward Sheriff's Office to provide a place for her to work.

This idea is not half-bad. Nothing solves a case of writer's block -- or typist's block, as the case may be -- like jail time.

(Biglaw shops employ this same tactic, except the "jails" are stocked with Aeron chairs, plush carpets, and contemporary art.)

P.S. It's inconsistent with the lighthearted tone of this post, so we have omitted mention of it, but the underlying crime in this case is particularly heinous.

Broward Judge Jails Stenographer [Miami Herald]


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Comments

Umm . . . anyone else think the stenographer may have an obstructive agenda, considering the nature of the crime? Or perhaps s/he is still unwell as a result of hearing the testimony.

That was pretty much the most awful crime I have ever read about. Wouldn't surprise me if the stenographer wasn't so much lazy as she was scarred from having to transcribe the testimony.

Not only a heinous crime but one deserving of a much harsher sentence. Maybe a tattoo across the forehead and then placement into the general population...

"particularly heinous?" I can't think of a crime more awful than what he did. *snip-snip* with no anesthetic, and then daily ass rapings after being put in the general prison populace.

You know what they do to kiddie rapers in prison, don't ya?