Dealing with crises can evoke various responses from people. Some may cry, others panic, and some may react unexpectedly. However, laughing is not considered an acceptable reaction in Judge Qiana Lillard’s courtroom.
When a woman and her family members displayed inappropriate behavior during a lawsuit, Judge Lillard took a stand against it. A video of the incident went viral on social media, earning Judge Lillard praise from around the globe.
In June 2016, Amanda Kosal drove under the influence of alcohol, resulting in the tragic death of 31-year-old Jerome Zirker. Following the incident, Kosal was arrested and brought to court.
During the trial, neither Kosal nor her family seemed to comprehend the gravity of the situation. Their laughter in the courtroom prompted Judge Lillard to address the issue.
“How can you find amusement in a moment as tragic as this, where a family has lost a loved one?”
Despite Kosal’s mother and her boyfriend continuing to laugh, thinking they could escape consequences, Judge Lillard’s words wiped the smiles off their faces.
‘I understand you are upset because your loved one is facing imprisonment, but she’s being held accountable for her own choices,” Judge Lillard declared before sentencing Donna, Kosal’s mother, to 93 days in jail for contempt of court.
“Your disruptive and disrespectful behavior has disrupted today’s proceedings, and you, ma’am, are going to jail in Wayne County for 93 days,” Judge Lillard emphasized.
Judge Lillard empathized with the victim’s family and demonstrated that justice prevails. Share if you believe she made the right call.
