Legal Definitions - strepitus judicialis

Strepitus judicialis is a historical legal term that refers to disruptive behavior or noise within a courtroom setting. It describes any conduct that interferes with the decorum, order, or proceedings of the court.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Imagine a scenario during a high-profile trial where a spectator in the public gallery repeatedly makes loud, sarcastic remarks and groans in response to the prosecutor's arguments. Despite warnings from the bailiff, the individual continues to create a disturbance, drawing attention away from the proceedings.

  This behavior would be considered strepitus judicialis because it directly disrupts the court's ability to conduct its business in an orderly and respectful manner, interfering with the focus of the participants and the solemnity of the judicial process.

• Consider a situation where a defense attorney, frustrated by a judge's adverse ruling, begins to loudly challenge the judge's integrity and bang on the counsel table, refusing to sit down when instructed. The attorney's actions escalate to the point where the judge must pause the proceedings to address the outburst.

  Such actions create significant disorder and interfere with the court's ability to proceed calmly and fairly, thereby exemplifying strepitus judicialis. It undermines the authority of the court and the proper administration of justice.

• Picture a defendant who, unhappy with the testimony of a witness, suddenly stands up and begins yelling accusations and obscenities at the witness and the judge, ignoring the bailiff's repeated commands to be quiet. The outburst causes a significant delay as court officers work to restore order.

  This overt disruption of the court's order and the witness's testimony is a clear instance of strepitus judicialis. It prevents the court from functioning properly and demonstrates a disregard for the rules and authority governing judicial proceedings.