'Tase His Ass!' Angry Judge Joins in Courtroom Struggle

Jackson County Circuit Judge John McBain got a little active at his desk job last December, a newly released video obtained by Michigan Live shows. After an uncooperative defendant kept questioning the validity of Judge McBain's authority—in the face of escalating jail time—and then started tussling with the court officer trying to take him into custody, the judge was captured on video yelling, "Tase his ass," throwing off his robe, and joining in tackling the man to the ground and handcuffing him. Although unconventional, such actions are apparently legal, as another Michigan circuit judge explains: "A judge has the power to take whatever action is necessary to maintain order in the courtroom," including arresting someone if necessary. (More crime stories.)