Oh no you didn't

Filling in on the court beat is always a nice distraction from the grind of politics and all the rest. Society's most colorful paraded in front of you for an afternoon? If you've got the callused heart for it, it can be as fun as watching toddlers eat warm Jello with a fork.

While not my regular beat, I've covered my share of court stories and somehow have never seen anyone tossed out of the courtroom for speaking to suspects waiting their turn in the jury box, a definite no-no.

Today, a 6-foot-tall woman bailiff provided some serious amusement as I awaited a hearing about a murder suspect's competency. Did I mention a calloused heart? Good.

First guy was clearly passing the signals after getting as close as possible to the box. He mouthed a few things before the Avenging Angel ruined his day. A quick "Sir, you're going to have to leave" met resistance followed up with "Sir, I'm not asking you, I'm telling you." Oh no, is he stepping up on her? She doesn't even budge, sets her jaw and the guy folds like cheap card table, muttering as he leaves.

Next up was a woman in the front row who played the ignorant card, putting her hands up. Hilarity ensued (in my head) as the bailiff points to the signs directly in front of the woman two feet away outlining the consequences in English and Spanish. "It says you can not speak to him. It is not a joke," says bailiff as she tosses No. 2 out.

I didn't catch how the third started, only that suddenly, there she was with hand gestures flying toward the signs and a woman on the bench looking thoroughly defeated. Out she went.

I should mention all three instances happened with remarkably little scene, never disrupting the proceedings. That bailiff had some serious presence.