When a Tennessee judge was caught texting while driving, he decided to do something totally human about the matter. Instead of letting himself get away with the crime, he stood in front of everyone and punished himself appropriately. Judge Hinson is showing that even he is not above the law and takes these matters seriously.
TikToker @thestaggeringtruth shared a video of Judge Mike Hinson taking matters into his own hands when it came to his own citation. The Lewis County, Tennessee judge handed down a ticket to himself in a video that at first seems hilarious and quirky. But quickly, you realize that this judge knows that “nobody is above the law” and that includes him. As this TikToker mentions, Judge Hinson “knows people make mistakes – but this one could cost a life.”
In the video, Judge Hinson holds up his own citation and says, “The first ticket of the day is Michael Hinson. That would be me.” The room is filled with laughter at this. Hinson goes on to say, “I have been charged with use of a handheld device prohibited while driving.” At the time of the incident, he was pulled over for texting and driving. And he asks himself if he’s guilty and admits to the crime in front of the whole filled room. Then, he announces that his fine is “$60, which is exactly what’s on here” and shows the citation to the room.
This judge could have easily taken matters into his own hands and handled the ticket quietly away from public eye. But he decided to sit in front of a full courtroom, like any other citizen would have to do in this situation. He had his clerk record the hearing and handed a fine out to himself, which he will now pay. Anybody would clap for this act of justice.
The video sparked immediate reactions from commenters all over the country. As one commenter pointed out, “I respect the fact he not only did it but did it publicly. Accountability at the highest level is important. Nice job!” Another commenter asked, “A judge that holds himself accountable for his own actions?!?! Let’s promote him to President, please!!” Other commenters were shocked by the fine following the citation. One commenter stated, “$60 for use of handheld device is crazy… In my state it’s $450.”
The video prompted commenters to start important discussions about how nobody is above the law. It led to many conversations concerning how these matters should be handled appropriately, especially when politicians or law enforcement are involved.
