"Courtroom Controversy: Litigant Scolded for ‘Disgusting’ Gum Incident Under Table"
A federal judge in Pensacola, Florida, recently reprimanded a litigant for her behavior in court, describing it as “absolutely disgusting.” The incident involved the plaintiff, Lorraine M. Padavan, who admitted to sticking chewing gum under a courtroom table designated for counsel during proceedings. U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II expressed his disapproval in a June 13 order, responding to the revelation that the gum had been discovered by an assistant U.S. attorney. The attorney inadvertently transferred the gum onto her skirt when she brushed her leg against the table. The judge noted that remnants … Read more