Crime

‘Contempt of Court Because You Showed Your Butt in Court’: Ala. Judge Explains Sagging Pants Policy

You Are in Contempt of Court Because You Showed Your Butt in Court: Ala. Judge has Zero Tolerance for Sagging PantsCircuit Judge John Bush

When LaMarcus D. Ramsey appeared in Alabama court yesterday to enter a plea on a charge of receiving stolen property, what he got was a three-day jail sentence for contempt of court for wearing so-called saggy pants. Circuit Judge John Bush told the 20-year-old his blue jeans were sagging too low and told him to get a belt when he gets out.

Not too surprisingly, there has been a bit of backlash against Circuit Judge John Bush, a man with more than 25 years on the bench, for the citation.

“People are asking me: Is this out of the norm?” Bush said.

“And I tell them ‘no,’ that the only thing that’s different is that most of the time I give a person five days in jail. This time, I gave the young man three,” Bush told the Montgomery Advertiser.

Ramsey appeared in the Autauga County Circuit Court on Tuesday to enter a plea on a charge of receiving stolen property. But, as mentioned in the above, what he found was a judge highly irritated with his low-hanging fashion statement.

“You are in contempt of court because you showed your butt in court,” Bush said to Ramsey. “You can spend three days in jail. When you get out you can buy pants that fit, or at least get a belt to hold up your pants so your underwear doesn’t show.”

The ill-advised saggy-pants phenomenon has come under direct criticism from lawmakers in several states.

“The people of Montgomery County, Alabama have been threatened with fines of up to $150 for wearing their pants below their hips in a February bill put before state lawmakers,” the Daily Mail reports.

“The so-called ‘saggy-pants’ law which will only apply to Montgomery County was sponsored by Democratic Rep. Alvin Holmes who has stated that he finds it disrespectful when young people wear pants that sag below the hips,” the report adds.

“The bill, which has yet to be made law, calls for a fine of up to $100 for juveniles and $150 for adults cited for loose fitting pants that fall below the hips in public places.”

You Are in Contempt of Court Because You Showed Your Butt in Court: Ala. Judge has Zero Tolerance for Sagging PantsLaMarcus D. Ramsey

Judge Bush’s citation has received national attention, and, although a bit surprised, he says he thinks he understands why.

“I feel the public in general is sick and tired of the fundamental lack of respect we see in everyday life,” he said.

“This is the courtroom. You need to respect the building and what it stands for. This is not my courtroom. This is the people’s house. And the citizens of the 19th Judicial Circuit of Alabama expect me to preserve the dignity and respect of their courtroom,” he added.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

(H/T: Newser)

Comments (139)

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  • South Philly Boy
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:51am

    The Judge got him in the END

    Report Post » South Philly Boy  
    • blackyb
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:19am

      Good one.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • 4xeverything
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 6:03am

      That was cheeky.

      Report Post » 4xeverything  
    • lordjosh
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 6:30am

      2 things I despise vehemently, sagging pants and this so called “contempt of court” tyrannical BS!
      What a way to start an otherwise beautiful Friday morning.

      Report Post » lordjosh  
    • RightUnite
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 6:59am

      Butt, butt, butt……

      Report Post »  
    • Lesbian Packing Hollow Points
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 7:25am

      This judge didn’t like the defendant making his court the BUTT of jokes.

      Report Post » Lesbian Packing Hollow Points  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 7:29am

      My Hero. The origin of this pants so low that your butt shows is from the prisons. It meant that the inmate was available for sex.
      Everytime I see it I wonder if these guys are advertising or just stupid.

      OMG 2012

      Report Post »  
    • The_Jerk
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 9:14am

      Black culture.

      Report Post »  
    • Elena2010
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 2:10pm

      @ The Jerk — There was a judge in Onslow County, North Carolina, who for years and years did the same exact thing. It did not matter what the person before the court’s color or ethnicity was, they were taught to respect the Court. The judge just happened to be Black and was regularly re-elected by a majority of Whites because he was trustworthy, honest, and fair. He is also an outstanding role model for young men trying to escape that ghetto junk culture that claims to be black. It’s no more black than my cats are. It’s junk.

      Report Post » Elena2010  
  • sensibleadult
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:33am

    LaMarcus, my butt. Whatever happened to names like Leroy and Henry?

    Report Post »  
    • BlenGeck
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:55am

      Whitey is going to love how easy it is to get the pants off this skinny bros butt in the slammer. What a dumb shiite.

      Report Post » BlenGeck  
    • blackyb
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:21am

      They went by way of Bessy, Mizz Jemima, Ms Ella Lou and Claudius. The wants to be fancy now.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • eric6161
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:06pm

      I wonder if Leroy is a rap singing cowboy… Saturday mornings and all the kids gathered around the set watching Leroy Rogers.

      Report Post »  
  • AncientKnight
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:18am

    These little black ***** must like having their butts plugged.And they do know wearing your pants like that means you’re open to sex in prison.Bunch of ignorant black bastards.

    Report Post » AncientKnight  
    • britlynz
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:52am

      Please tell me you’re a leftist.

      Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 3:11am

      Double Standard… for Pretty, White, Girls!

      Report Post » lukerw  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 6:05am

      @ Brit – ancient’s comments confirm that . The leftist trolls think they are so clever, planting comments designed to disparage conservatives yet they all fail to hide themselves at all

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • ChuckSammich
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 8:54am

      Actually, the coolio way to wear the pants sagging was initiated in prison, made it’s way into the gangs, now is main stream. Little elementary and middle school kids mirroring the dress of felons should be the standard.

      Report Post »  
  • Sr Newk
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:06am

    If the young mans parents can’t get him to show some respect for himself and others, then I guess the Judge can do it.

    Report Post » Sr Newk  
  • Robert-CA
    Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:03am

    Thank you Judge .

    Report Post » Robert-CA  
    • OlderNSmarter
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:10am

      Ditto. It’s not pronounced “cool”…it’s pronounced “fool”

      Report Post »  
    • Cosmos102
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 7:38am

      Has it been 10 years since the movie “Clueless” came out? Even then it was uncool and lame for boyz to be wearin’ their pants down around their rear ends. “I mean, what girl would swoon over something like that?” Get a clue boys!

      Report Post » Cosmos102  
  • mom4times
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:58pm

    @DOCTOR NORDO…..I don’t think a warning is warrented……that guy came into a setting of higher authority…..he should have at least looked respectful…..like if he was going to a job interview…the judge did a great job !!! Anyone catch the caption on the homepage of theblaze for this article….with the pants down…..saw a guy at the grocery store yesterday with his pants like that….only lower….his pants started….where most mini skirts end….Total Nasty

    Report Post » mom4times  
    • PrfctlyFrank
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:17am

      And when I see that I tell him about it. I am no longer shy about telling these punks white or black to pull their pants up in public.. I have no fear, what ever of whether or not they appreciate it.

      Report Post » PrfctlyFrank  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 6:07am

      The courtroom doors in my county have dress codes posted on them, no bra straps showing, no bare midriffs, no saggy pants, no shorts,…..

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • saintjock
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:44pm

    God Bless this Judge! Thank you.

    Report Post » saintjock  
    • PoliticiansRCrooks
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:53pm

      God Bless what? Your saying God Bless because a judge through some kid in jail because he sagged his pants? Are you serious and you say God Bless. Your the biggest fraud in the world. Does it say any where in the bible that you can’t sag your pants?? I sure don’t see it. WOW, you people just amaze me. Your act like such a communist. Just because some one does something you don’t like you, doesn’t mean you have the right to stop them from doing it. It might be stupid and why in the world would the kid want people to see his butt. But he still has the right to dress like a moron.

      Report Post » PoliticiansRCrooks  
    • AncientKnight
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:09am

      Politician,you said”Just because some one does something you don’t like you, doesn’t mean you have the right to stop them from doing it. It might be stupid and why in the world would the kid want people to see his butt. But he still has the right to dress like a moron”.

      So you mean his black bros can thump all night keeping you awake when you got to work the next morning.Blacks can scream racists names to you and I guess you think it’s ok too.He has the right to dress like a moron AT HOME.Not in public.These little black ***** must like having their butts plugged.And they do know wearing your pants like that means you’re open to sex in prison.Bunch of ignorant black bastards.

      Report Post » AncientKnight  
    • KickinBack
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:18am

      Hey look Pa…I gone an found me anudder of dese Paulbots. Dey shore are noisy little critters. I tink dis one politicianrcrooks had gone and got its tin-foil antennae crossed. Better send it to da FEMA farm dey‘s always talkin’ ’bout.

      Report Post » KickinBack  
    • Darlie
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:46am

      Poli-whatever- The judge rules his courtroom. Judges confiscate cell phones and throw potential jurors in jail if they show up late. It makes the system work. When people show up dressed inappropriately, they generally pay literally or figuratively. Judges are very concerned that the concept of respect be upheld. If you are stupid enough to get your butt in jail, at least protect yourself from further evidence of your stupidity by covering it up. Good going judge! I wish the police would uphold obscenity laws outside the courtroom!

      Report Post »  
    • Doctor Nordo
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:31am

      Yes, but it doesn’t breed respect. At least not in my eyes. Actions like these by a judge cause me to feel nothing but contempt for him. Throwing someone in jail because their pants sag a little low is absolutely ludicrous.

      Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
    • Doctor Nordo
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:32am

      And honestly, if throwing such a tantrum over something so minor causes you to respect the person, then I‘m sorry but that’s just funny.

      Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
    • saintjock
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 2:00am

      its about respect.

      Report Post » saintjock  
    • MrObvious
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 2:45am

      @Nordo – the waring of low hanging pants in the court room, was contempt of court. By doing it, he had already shown his contempt for the judge.

      Report Post »  
    • Baddoggy
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 3:19am

      Judges do not make laws. they make rules in their courtroom like I would make a rule in my house. If they do not want that behavior, then you cannot throw them in jail. That is a violation of civil rights. You could however not hear hios case and act like the person did not show up for his hearing, therefore placing him in even more jeopardy.
      And to say God bless a judge for making a ruling that would make jail time…STUPID. Judges do not make laws.

      Report Post » Baddoggy  
  • BurntHills
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:34pm

    another one of obama’s sons with the pants down around his knees. haha, may as well keep them there, it’s a prison sign that he is gay for Big Bubba.

    Report Post » BurntHills  
  • BO_Bill
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:33pm

    Somebody needs to tell Obama’s sons that wearing your pants around your ass is prison-code for a receptive catcher.

    Report Post » BO_Bill  
  • hogtrashhd
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:29pm

    i just can’t understand why blacks show their butts other than they want something stuck up in there.. isn‘t that a sign of saying my butt’s open for business.. sure looks like it to me.. but then we all understand that most dark people have an infinity towards homosexuality and i think that is what fuels their hatred knowing that it is not acceptable in society to make fudge .. yuck.. they are some nasty people.. let the fro flow..

    Report Post »  
  • Harvey
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:25pm

    Judge Bush is right ,these people now days does not have a bit of respect for themselves their familys their mom and dad or their country.Todays young people have not been raised they just grew up without a bit of direction from anyone.
    Thats no excuse for the way they act after they get to an age where they know right from wrong.These people are arrogant loosers,they mimmic anyone that comes along.They see a fool wearing their hats backward so they do the same.They see someone showing their ass and they do the same.They are idiots/

    Report Post »  
  • spirited
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:25pm

    Judge John Bush, –thank you.

    >There is hope for change.

    Report Post » spirited  
  • lassiegirldawn
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:24pm

    I don’t care to see someones underware or their a s s hanging out of their pants. I love my grandkids school, if the principle see things like this he jerks the kids pants up.

    Report Post »  
  • Prowd2beblack
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:22pm

    I live in atauga county alabama, i know this judge, he expects you to wear a dress shirt with a coller to court also..women have to dress up to, or they may get a comtempt of court charge…and this is a honest and fair judge..

    Report Post » Prowd2beblack  
    • Quagaar Warrior
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:43pm

      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      Don’t like it?
      Then obey the laws like real Americans do so you don’t have to dress like normal people for a court appearance!
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

      Report Post »  
    • 1casawizard
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:03am

      @PROWD. The protocol for court is for the people to be dressed-up in clothes with no holes, no offensive language, clean, etc. these are rules he (judge) has to abide by.

      Report Post » 1casawizard  
    • greatgrandma
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:50am

      My grandson who is white, wears his pants like that. So it is not just a black thing. When he went to court, he got papers before hand on how to dress appropriatly. The law, courts etc. should be a place of respect for all people.

      Report Post »  
  • Oglethorpe1983
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:21pm

    While I agree with the judge’s ruling that the person was in contempt of court.. I disagree with the idea of a law being passed. (and while its really not surprising the bill was put forth by a democrat, I would not be shocked if a similar bill is put forward by a republican)… My problem is that…the gov’t (municipal, state or federal, has no business passing a law that punishes……well.idiocy….

    As I get older(and more informed) I realize that one of the biggest problems with our country is the almost overwhelming level of laws and regulations we are confronted with. (And I am by no means an Anarchist) rather I think that personal liberty must be paramount. If people want to look like fools and wear the pants below their knees…what business is it of the government . Not only will this legislation NOT change the culture (that is up to the individual and the family to instill proper values__) but in my opinion its only “true” purpose is to act as a thinly veiled revenue stream…

    Saggy pants are not an affront to any existing standard of decency…. they aren’t harmful to others, and they certainly are not warrant the attention of our legislators.. all they do is make those that wear them look like the fools that they are…

    Hopefully this bill will fail on the statehouse floor… and we can put our attention to more important matters.

    Report Post »  
    • 1casawizard
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:33pm

      @OGLETHORPE1983. ditto to your comments, plus saggy pant folks are easy to catch in a foot race/throwdown from a theft.

      Report Post » 1casawizard  
    • Brevity
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:04am

      Right on oglethorpe1983!

      Report Post »  
    • nolefan2
      Posted on April 14, 2012 at 2:57pm

      Excuse me????? Sagging pants showing someone else’s underwear is an affront to MY standard of dignity and I applaud this judge for what he did. I am sick and tired of seeing these saggy pants and underwear worn by anybody of any race, gender or nationality.

      Report Post »  
  • Doctor Nordo
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:16pm

    So, SO dumb. So the pants sag! Big deal! I happen to think it’s a ridiculous fashion statement, but I got news for ya Judge, so is wearing a black dress to work every day.

    The fashion statement is dumb, but it’s not obscene. The guy didn’t show his butt. His butt was covered by boxers.

    Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
    • Bounder
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:26pm

      Oh, you were there? You have action photos for us? Or are you just sounding off like a clanging gong?

      Report Post »  
    • lassiegirldawn
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:26pm

      Why should we have to look at someones underware

      Report Post »  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:50pm

      Years ago when my son wore his pants like this and we were out in public…..I would yell BALLOON BUTT….He soon got the message.

      Rock on Judge Bush!!

      Report Post »  
    • Doctor Nordo
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:27am

      No, I don‘t know but I think it’s a fairly safe assumption. And what’s the big deal about seeing underwear? It is a piece of cloth covering up the skin, just like the jeans are. Big deal.

      Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
  • SHOWMESTATEGUY
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:13pm

    Good for the judge. This case is like the case of a young women that wore a T-Shirt to court with the words (I have the *ussy so I make the rules). The female judge in that case also found the person in comtempt.

    Don’t you just love the liberalization of America. Another thirty years of this and what will the country look like?

    Maybe we need to spend more on unionized public education? Would that help?

    Report Post »  
    • PoliticiansRCrooks
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:55pm

      Hmmm.. as I recall, I never saw a dress code when I went to court.

      Report Post » PoliticiansRCrooks  
    • Psychosis
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 12:52am

      @ politicians

      hello troll…………………..nice for you to admit you spend time in court

      typical dem CRIMINAL

      Report Post » Psychosis  
    • blackyb
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:27am

      Be warned if a Judge tells you anything in court, you better say yes sir and do it when he says do it. Judges are the only people who have any control in that court. Do not ever forget that. The Judges will not. Every last one of them will show their authority to anyone who even looks like they will cross them. They Own That Court Room.

      Report Post » blackyb  
  • Whtwulf
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:11pm

    Good for this judge. The man is comming into a court of law and treating the place as if he was at a house party. Hopefully this judge does the same thing when people come into his courtroom other types of crappy behavior.

    Now I am not saying you need to wear a suit and tie when you go into traffic court but at least wear clean clothes without holes in them and that fit decently.

    Report Post »  
  • TORCH9
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:11pm

    I like it. It should be imposed nationwide. You can represent your loserdom’ in prison. But maybe they have a dress code as well?!?!

    Report Post » TORCH9  
    • cgnick
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:21pm

      Are you some kind of commie or fascist? Should we all dress like you? A national dress code is definitely unconstitutional. While I think it looks immature and ridiculous to have your pants hanging off of your ass, this judge has gone too far.

      Report Post »  
  • TriforcePlayer
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:09pm

    Democrats

    Report Post » TriforcePlayer  
  • Mark0331
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:08pm

    Had to say it, “If Barry O had a son, he would look like La Marcus…”

    Report Post » Mark0331  
    • CatB
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:16pm

      LOL . pants and all … GOOD FOR THE JUDGE!

      Report Post »  
    • Paul
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:20pm

      Butt, Butt, Wait a minute !

      Got to agree though, at least part of him would…

      Report Post » Paul  
    • Windwalker
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:22pm

      …..I just spewed my after dinner cup of tea and almost choked on your post.

      Report Post »  
    • booger71
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:32pm

      I think he would look more like Mooshell

      Report Post » booger71  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:07pm

    As they say – in a courtroom never get the judge mad with you.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • Grasshopper42
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:06pm

    Amen!

    Report Post » Grasshopper42  
  • blackyb
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:05pm

    That is the Judge’s decision. If he wants to watch the Monday night move on Thrusday, somebody better get him hooked up to a VCR. Judges rule the court room. Make no mistake. If he tells you to pull up or pants or put your shirt in, you might better listen.

    Report Post » blackyb  
    • Doctor Nordo
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:18pm

      Uh, from what I could tell from reading the story the guy was given no warning. The judge just took one look at him and sent him off to jail.

      Report Post » Doctor Nordo  
    • blackyb
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:31am

      Well, tough. If the guy was to read the Judges mind, then he better have done it. That judge don’t have to give warning. The guys’ lawyer should have told him or someone in the jail. There may have been signs outside the door. The person who disrespects a judge deserves what they get for they know better. They are not messing with their parents. The boy knew better, there is no doubt in my mind. There was no doubt in the judges mind either.

      Report Post » blackyb  
    • OlderNSmarter
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 1:40am

      That’s right! That’s his kingdom and he is king!

      Report Post »  
    • RedDirtTexas
      Posted on April 13, 2012 at 10:03am

      Where should it stop Nordo? Roseann Barr in a thong?

      Report Post » RedDirtTexas  
  • marine249
    Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:05pm

    Now that is my kind od judge. Back in the 60s I worked for a judge who did
    and said the same thing.

    Report Post »  
    • blackyb
      Posted on April 12, 2012 at 11:07pm

      It is time we stood. That judge is standing for the people. Respect his court or you will go to jail and will not pass GO. That means, you go straight to jail. Way to go judge.

      Report Post » blackyb  
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