Clifton Williams

Judge, Daniel Rozak, abused his position by sentencing a courtroom spectator, Clifton Williams, to jail for 6 months, over a, "Loud and boisterous" yawn.

Rozak has also sent individuals to jail over their cell phones ringing in court. Such conduct is very petty, adding to overcrowding in jails and does not reflect well on the justice system.

Shut Yer Mouth: Man Gets 6 Months for Yawning

Strict judge issues 6 months jail time for "loud and boisterous" yawn

Updated 1:31 PM EDT, Tue, Aug 11, 2009 - Make sure you get plenty of sleep before going to court. Clifton Williams didn't and he's been sentenced to six months in jail for yawning.

"I was flabbergasted because I didn't realize a judge could do that," Williams' father, Clifton Williams Sr., told the Chicago Tribune. "It seems to me like a yawn is an involuntary action."

Williams, 33, attended his cousin's July hearing at Will County Courthouse in Joliet. His cousin, Jason Mayfield, pled guilty to a felony drug charge. As the judge sentenced Mayfield to two years probation, Williams let out a yawn, an involuntary faux pas in such a formal setting.

Circuit Judge Daniel Rozak thought the yawn was criminal and sentenced Williams to six months in jail, the maximum penalty for contempt of court without a jury trial. Rozak's order said that Williams "raised his hands while at the same time making a loud yawning sound," causing a disrespectful interruption in court.

So in a strange turn of events Mayfield, the felon, will be able to walk freely, while Williams, the yawner, will have to spend at least three weeks behind bars for his offending yawn. But it's not out of character for Rozak...

http://www.nbcnewyork.com