Defendant claims constitutional right to cell phone use in courtroom

Arguing a case “before” a judge came with a twist in the Antelope County courtroom in Neligh last Wednesday.

An Oakdale resident started the process before he was called to face the judge, when he questioned bailiff Lyle Juracek regarding instructions for those entering the courtroom to turn off cell phones. The man claimed a constitutional right to have his device turned on.

When he was called to face the Honorable Donna Taylor, he continued to argue his constitutional rights, this time asking the “nature of the charges” and if she was operating under oath before he would enter the defendant’...