A Times Editorial

The bench is a serious seat

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 22, 2000

A complex trial to determine whether a wealthy businessman paid for the grisly murder of his ex-wife is hardly a laughing matter. But Edward Prado, the presiding judge in the trial of Allen Blackthorne, apparently thinks his San Antonio courtroom is an appropriate place to exhibit his off-the-wall hijinks. His injudicious conduct damages his own credibility and that of the legal proceeding itself. Prado needs to tone down his antics considerably if he expects jurors to take a responsible approach to the grave task that lies ahead.

Judges should set the tone of the courtroom by ensuring that protocol is followed and that jurors are not swayed by superfluous events beyond the evidence put before them. Prado has grossly fallen short of this duty. He has made sarcastic comments to attorneys, played a song that likens himself to God and otherwise been a distraction to men and women who literally hold a man's life in their hands.

Aside from jeopardizing Blackthorne's right to a fair trial, Prado's behavior also must be disconcerting to the family of Sheila Bellush, the slain mother of six. It is disrespectful to be so lighthearted in the presence of those who must relive the anguish of their loved one's murder. For their sake, Prado should maintain a more professional demeanor.

Emotions run high in trials such as this one, so it is understandable that a judge would want to ease some tension. But Prado's wacky behavior has gone far beyond mere comic relief. Prado must realize that the courtroom needs a judicious mediator, not a comedian.

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