Worse Than Gen Z: Oklahoma Judge Gets Caught Scrolling Facebook During Toddler's Murder Trial

Scrolling has become somewhat of a character flaw for people in the modern world. Whether it be the nervous tic to scroll social media during an awkward dinner or fill in the silence on an elevator by concentrating on an endless stretch of videos, scrolling has become an inevitable disease.

Oklahoma Judge Seen Scrolling During Murder Hearing

Oklahoman/YouTube

This maladaptive behaviour shockingly made its way into court when a judge was caught scrolling through Facebook on her phone. Well, the most appalling part of the ordeal was not just the judge¡¯s negligence but also that she did it while a hearing for the murder of a 2-year-old was in session.

The incident took place in Lincoln County, Oklahoma, USA, when District Judge Traci Soderstrom was caught on the footage as she ignored the proceedings of the murder trial. She was seen repeatedly getting distracted during the proceedings with her buzzing phone as she either scrolled through Facebook or replied to messages.

The Oklahoman reported that it was Judge Soderstrom¡¯s first trial for a man accused of fatally beating a 2-year-old. During the proceedings, she was captured on CCTV footage checking her Facebook page and searching for a GIF.

The Judge Was Caught Scrolling Through Her Phone Several Times In CCTV Footage

Facebook

In the seven-day trial that took place in Chandler, located about 45 miles northeast of Oklahoma City, the juror was caught on camera using her phone for extended periods.

The security camera installed on the ceiling recorded the juror continuously tapping away on her phone while participating in jury selection, listening to opening statements, and during witness testimonies.

Ironically, Soderstrom told all the other jurors to switch off their electronic devices during the trial so that they could focus on the evidence. Obviously, she failed to follow the same rule herself and kept her own electronic device on.

According to the court's administrative director, judges are required to follow the Code of Judicial Conduct, but this code doesn't specifically mention anything about cell phones. However, the director added that it does tell judges to ¡°act at all times in a manner that promotes public confidence.¡±

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