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All he meant was that he didn't want BK popping up to stand every time he was asked a question (some judges in some kinds of hearings do want that..or they have the defendant keep standing instead of sitting down between each question). If Hippler expects you to stand, he'll instruct you to. Hippler was also saying it was unnecessary as well as coming across as obsequious--all he needed to do to show proper courtroom respect to the judge was use polite language when addressing him and follow all directions.
Not to mention it was a plea hearing where it was already known to all that he was confessing to a quadruple murder--the guards and LE really don't want him constantly standing up....too much of a risk and puts everyone on edge. It doesn't help that the layout of that courtroom was rather odd.....usually they are set up so that the defense table and the prosecution table are set up side by side parallel to each other--not in this unusual perpendicular layout they had in that courtroom. That means every time he stands up, he's essentially facing out to the prosecution and the families/friends/audience as opposed to standing with his back to them.
Excellent points.
He murdered four people in minutes.
It's safer for everyone if he remains seated.
Just saw, in another courtroom, a defendant who was found guilty of his crimes tried to stab himself. If BK is standing, he has a split second advantage, should he attempt to harm himself or anyone else. Seated, he needs that split second to stand, handing the split second advantage to the guards.
Judge didn't editorialize but IMO he neutralized BK swiftly.
Imagine how frightening just his standing up might have felt to the victims. It's aggressive, dominating.
Judge took that power away from him masterfully.
I'm reminded of KG's sister's more direct approach -- sit up when I'm talking to you.
Judge was calm with his directive but no less effective in putting BK in his place.
I can't help but to wonder, I mean, surely his attorneys advised him on the court's procedure and preference. Perhaps they did. And he took his own liberty. He doesn't seem to be constrained by convention.
Either way, Hippler made it clear.
My courtroom, not yours.
JMO