Oklahoma Judge Traci Soderstrom’s controversial habit of using her phone during a murder trial, initially highlighted in July, has now raised questions about her future on the bench. As initially noticed during trial proceedings, the judge’s solution to the controversy was to simply reposition the camera, which permitted her to continue scrolling her phone unnoticed.
However, as PBS reported, the Chief Justice of the Oklahoma Supreme Court has since recommended the removal of Soderstrom. The Oklahoma Supreme Court Council on Judicial Complaints’s investigation into the matter laid bare that the judge sent 500 texts to the courtroom bailiff during the course of the trial, in addition to scrolling her social media. This investigation casts a spotlight on the issue of professionalism in the courtroom and draws attention to the potential consequences of such conduct.
The text messages exchanged during the trial give an insight into the peculiar dynamics at play. Highlights from the messages exchanged show the judge mocking prosecutors, laughing at inappropriate comments about a prosecutor made by the bailiff, praising the defense attorney, and labelling the key prosecution witness a liar. The content of these messages raises serious concerns regarding impartiality and decorum in the court.
As the text messages emerged, later developments regarding Judge Soderstrom took an even more troubling turn, painting a more concerning picture than initial reports had indicated. Soderstrom is currently suspended with pay, pending the results of an upcoming hearing by the Court on the Judiciary that will decide her future.
While the legal fraternity awaits the outcome of this hearing, this circumstance serves as a sobering reminder about the necessary adherence to professional standards and the role of impartiality in proceedings, illustrating how integral these elements are to the functioning of a credible justice system.