Michigan Attorney’s Zoom Slur Upholds Virtual Court Contempt Ruling

A Michigan attorney faces sanctions for insults uttered after a Zoom hearing. Marshall Tauber called his judge a profane gender-based slur. The Michigan Court of Appeals just upheld his criminal contempt conviction.

The incident occurred after a virtual hearing in Oakland County. Tauber believed he had disconnected from the Zoom platform. The court, however, was still on the record and heard everything.

Virtual Courtroom Etiquette Carries Real-World Consequences

According to Reuters, virtual proceedings demand the same decorum as physical courtrooms. Judge Yasmine I. Pole had just ruled against Tauber’s client. Tauber then muttered, “Thank you. F** c***.”

The trial court found his actions showed willful disregard for its authority. Staff and the client were present in the virtual courtroom. The client appeared shocked by the attorney’s outburst.

Legal Precedent Set for Remote Proceedings

This ruling solidifies that virtual space is legal space. The appeals court rejected Tauber’s “technologically inept” defense. It stated his belief he was disconnected was irrelevant.

Demeaning a judge erodes public trust in the judicial system. This is true whether in a physical courtroom or a digital one. The court emphasized that such behavior impedes its functioning.

Legal experts note this case sets a clear standard. Attorneys must assume they are always audible and visible during remote hearings. There is no gray area in the digital ether.

The Michigan appeals court decision confirms that a virtual hearing is a real courtroom. An attorney’s contempt citation for a Zoom slur stands as a stark warning. The legal profession must adapt its conduct for the digital age.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: What did the Michigan attorney say to the judge?

After a Zoom hearing, Marshall Tauber used a profane gender-based slur. He called Judge Yasmine I. Pole a “f****** c***.” He claimed he thought he was disconnected from the virtual courtroom.

Q2: What was the attorney’s punishment?

The Michigan Court of Appeals upheld his criminal contempt conviction. This finding can result in fines or other sanctions. The ruling reinforces that virtual courtrooms carry the same authority as physical ones.

Q3: Why is this Zoom contempt case significant?

It sets a legal precedent for behavior during remote proceedings. The court ruled that virtual misconduct is real misconduct. This clarifies the rules of decorum for all digital court appearances.

Q4: Can attorneys be cited for contempt if they think they’re off-camera?

Yes, the Michigan ruling makes this distinction clear. An attorney’s mistaken belief they are disconnected is not a valid defense. The standard is whether the court was still officially in session.

Q5: What was the main reason the appeals court upheld the contempt charge?

The court found Tauber’s actions showed a willful disregard for its authority. Demeaning a judge, even in a virtual setting, undermines the judicial system. The intent to insult was less relevant than the act itself.