Parkland trial erupts in shouting match between judge, attorney after defense abruptly rests

Just before jurors were supposed to walk into the courtroom Wednesday, defense attorneys for Parkland shooter Nikolas Cruz abruptly rested their case. The move sparked outrage from Circuit Judge Elizabeth Scherer, who berated them for their lack of professionalism — leading to a shouting match in court.

Judge Scherer called the decision to rest without warning her or the prosecution "the most uncalled for, unprofessional way to try a case." She then accused Cruz's attorneys of being inconsiderate to all involved, but especially the jurors for wasting their trip to court.

When lead defense attorney Melisa McNeill countered angrily, "You are insulting me on the record in front of my client," Scherer cut her off.

"You’ve been insulting me the entire trial," Scherer retorted. "Blatantly taking your headphones off, arguing with me, storming out, coming late intentionally if you don’t like my rulings. So, quite frankly, this has been long overdue. So please be seated."

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[squeakybeak]

"you insulted me in front of my client"

Oh yes, the highly regarded honorable client

[modestyarielle]

Attorney: “I’ve been doin this twentytw-..”
Judge: “bih stfu” 🤣🤣🤣

[lazymode]

This is not shouting. They are all speaking normal volume.

[sukottoshinobe]

“You’ve been insulting me this entire trial”
Damn this woman is a beast. Love it

[shanzulwhiteglintt]

This Judge can definitely see the stupidity that's been happening and finally called it out.

[williamwong]

So stupid to have everyone show up in the morning just to say "defense rests" and everyone goes home.

[robertgreen]

"PLEASE BE SEATED".
The best to this judge!

[davidyoungquist]

That's what's known as "sit your a** down and get your s*** together."

[blackowned]

That Judge said what a lot of judges probably want to say when they see games being played in their courtroom

[MaribelLopez-jtxw]

If you’ve been watching you know it’s so true. The defense is so righteous and annoying. Good for the judge finally giving them what they deserve!😊

[karadizon]

I really like this judge. She’s right as all these people wasted state resources and court staff time coming unprepared. I’m glad this judge show her true colors and speak her mine. She’s very professional how she addressed it.

[bettyspaghetti]

Exactly! They have not only insulted the judge and the prosecution, but they have insulted the jury, the legal process, and every family that is waiting for justice. The answer to this idiocracy is to sanction them for their ethical misconduct.

[darrellcook]

If defending the indefensible doesn't work insult the court and the law. Obstruct, drag out and show contempt for what you do. That always works.

[kimmanning]

"Unprofessionalism." Nailed it.

[FinancialFreebo]

My father was a criminal defense attorney back in the early 1970's (and a wild man). He and the plaintiff's attorney got into an argument in the courtroom. The judge called a recess. My father and the other attorney went out to the hallway and slugged it out!! I still have the newspaper article.

[sammyp]

People used to be able to speak to each other like this and not get offended. It is not shouting she is being straight! It is necessary sometimes but everybody is too sensitive

[kimberlychappell]

That judge is completely over it and good on her.

[louise]

This has gone on long enough, it is absolutely ridiculous how long this trial has gone on for, for no real reason. Just stick him in jail and forget he exists.

[allseeingprophet]

We need more judges like her!! I'm guessing they are shooting for a mistrial due to professional negligence.

[K-Rob-copp]

I love that judge! She needs her own show!