How should a judge respond to a former fugitive who has been caught and brought back to court after running from the law for a year? Texas Judge Faith Johnson opted to throw a courtroom soiree in Billy Wayne Williams' honor, complete with balloons, streamers and cake. After that, she sentenced him to life in prison for aggravated assault. Said the judge, "We're so excited to see you, we're throwing a party for you." After the festivities and sentencing, Williams, who was accused of choking his girlfriend until she passed out, was led away in handcuffs. Apparently the humor was lost on the executive director of the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct. "It's the kind of thing I look at and scratch my head and wonder, 'What was she thinking?'"
- -- Jenny McKeel*
