Haha, I'm actually on the girl's side in this case, due to my own anti-authoritarian streak. I have genuine contempt for cops, judges, courts, and the whole legal system. They never show me any respect, so why should I show them any? Just because the rest of society says they have authority and jurisdiction over me? I was never consulted on any laws, nor have I consented to most of them being imposed on me. Of course, I doubt this girl has ever considered the legal system in a philosophical approach like me, but still.
First, she was arrested on a drug charge on laws I don't agree with. Then the judge is condescending toward her the whole time, like some nervous 18-year-old is supposed to just know formal court procedures and why they're asking her about her jewelry. I got the impression her giggling and touching her hair was more out of nervousness than trying to be flirty. Then the judge initially doesn't even formally dismiss her, just waves her off with "bye bye" and seems to take offense she responds with "adios" and matches his tone.
I'm not defending the girl because of white-knighting, but because I'd be pissed off if a judge acted the same way toward me. I suspect that's also the reason behind the reddit commenters defending her. I'd be just as pissed off as her if he doubled my fine too in the same manner. Yes, I'm smart enough to know I need to control my emotions in a courtroom. But I find there is a sweet vicarious pleasure in seeing someone flip off the judge the way I would be internally seething to.
First, she was arrested on a drug charge on laws I don't agree with. Then the judge is condescending toward her the whole time, like some nervous 18-year-old is supposed to just know formal court procedures and why they're asking her about her jewelry. I got the impression her giggling and touching her hair was more out of nervousness than trying to be flirty. Then the judge initially doesn't even formally dismiss her, just waves her off with "bye bye" and seems to take offense she responds with "adios" and matches his tone.
I'm not defending the girl because of white-knighting, but because I'd be pissed off if a judge acted the same way toward me. I suspect that's also the reason behind the reddit commenters defending her. I'd be just as pissed off as her if he doubled my fine too in the same manner. Yes, I'm smart enough to know I need to control my emotions in a courtroom. But I find there is a sweet vicarious pleasure in seeing someone flip off the judge the way I would be internally seething to.