LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Boredom proved costly to a potential juror who let out a loud yawn in a Los Angeles courtroom and was promptly ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Craig Veals found the man in contempt of court during an lengthy April 1 jury selection procedure when he waved his arms, yawned, and told the judge he was "really bored," court officials said on Wednesday.
Veals imposed a $1,000 fine but slashed it to $100 when the man protested as he turned up to pay a few days later. The man, whose identity was not revealed, was not selected to serve on a jury.
Under California law, judges can fine anyone up to $1,500 to enforce order in the courtroom. But lawyers and court officials said they had never heard of such a punishment for yawning.
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