Judge berates disabled man for bringing his service dog to court
[Article courtesy of The Poodle (and Dog) Blog]A number of highly trained service dogs are the constant companions of people who depend on them, not just for their health and safety, but in many cases for their lives. By federal law these dogs are allowed into any building.
Whether because of ignorance or arrogance, a South Carolina judge, George Epps, is accused of berating Bob Godfrey for bringing his clearly identified medical service dog, Jasmine, a Golden Retriever, into the courtroom. And Godfrey has the tape recording to prove his case.
Godfrey was in court to assist a Spanish-speaking man that he had been teaching English when the judge asked, “What is that dog in here for?”
Godfrey explained that Jasmine is a medical assistant that he needed after an automobile accident in 1989 when he worked in the Sheriff’s Office. He has screws and rods in his back, problems with balance and a hearing impairment. He explained that if he fell, Jasmine helped him get up.
Epps replied, “It takes his little hands and helps pick you up.”
He continued, ”What does that dog do besides not supposed to be in this building? You ought to know better than to bring a dog into a courtroom. That just really upsets me."
Godfrey understandably felt embarrassed and belittled, but didn’t want to risk being charged with contempt of court.
Now he is filing a formal complaint against the judge, and the city of North Charleston is sending a copy of the tape to the state Commission on Judicial Conduct.
While Judge Epps may be the tyrant ruler in his own little courtroom, let’s hope he can learn some lessons about the law, civility and human kindness.
Whether because of ignorance or arrogance, a South Carolina judge, George Epps, is accused of berating Bob Godfrey for bringing his clearly identified medical service dog, Jasmine, a Golden Retriever, into the courtroom. And Godfrey has the tape recording to prove his case.
Godfrey was in court to assist a Spanish-speaking man that he had been teaching English when the judge asked, “What is that dog in here for?”
Godfrey explained that Jasmine is a medical assistant that he needed after an automobile accident in 1989 when he worked in the Sheriff’s Office. He has screws and rods in his back, problems with balance and a hearing impairment. He explained that if he fell, Jasmine helped him get up.
Epps replied, “It takes his little hands and helps pick you up.”
He continued, ”What does that dog do besides not supposed to be in this building? You ought to know better than to bring a dog into a courtroom. That just really upsets me."
Godfrey understandably felt embarrassed and belittled, but didn’t want to risk being charged with contempt of court.
Now he is filing a formal complaint against the judge, and the city of North Charleston is sending a copy of the tape to the state Commission on Judicial Conduct.
While Judge Epps may be the tyrant ruler in his own little courtroom, let’s hope he can learn some lessons about the law, civility and human kindness.
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