September 21, 2023 |
Photo – Wyoming Joint Judiciary Committee Sept 19th Meeting – Courtesy YouTube
The personal danger that judges in Wyoming and other courtroom personnel face from disgruntled defendants looking for revenge was discussed by the Joint Judiciary Committee in Casper on Monday.
The committee considered drafts of two separate bill drafts, LSO 63 and 62, which deal with influencing or intimidating officers of the court and jurors. Wyoming State Supreme Court Justice John Fenn, who had brought the matter to the attention of lawmakers at a meeting earlier this year, appeared before the committee as the chair of the court security commission. Justice Fenn said the work of judges and other court personnel can put them and their families at extreme personal risk.
Committee testimony focused on how current laws regarding courtroom safety is spotty, especially regarding threats to judges. House District 40 Representative Barry Crago, a rancher and attorney from Buffalo, asked Justice Fenn if attorneys and other courtroom personnel also should be covered by any new bill that is comes before the legislature next year.
Judge Katherine Rogers from the 1st Judicial District in Cheyenne told the lawmakers that the nature of their professions makes judges potential targets of emotionally unstable people. Judge Rogers detailed two national stories, including one about a federal judge in New Jersey whose son was shot and killed at the family’s front door by a disgruntled attorney who had lost case in court. Judge Rogers said threats against the judiciary are on the rise nationwide.
Justice Wendy Bartlett, a circuit court judge in the 6th Judicial District of Campbell, Crook and Weston Counties, told lawmakers about a recent personal experience that occurred less than two months ago, and the lack of personal protection judges and their families in Wyoming face.
Lawmakers took Monday’s testimony seriously and agreed to pursue the matter further. Greater levels of home security for judges was discussed since courthouses are generally well-protected. Lawmakers approved taking up LSO 62 again at the committee’s meeting in November.
