Judge Belvin Perry’s Body Language Showed He was “Bouncing” Mad While Reprimanding Prosecution’s Jeff Ashton

April 19, 2011

Whenever Casey Anthony case Judge Belvin Perry gets upset or wants to make a serious point, it comes out in his body language in the form of a bounce. He tends to be even keeled in his tone and in his facial expressions and in his demeanor. But when he is upset at someone or agitated or really wants to make it a point to get his points across, he speaks more slowly and he tends to ”bounce” up and down in his seat. Perhaps it is his body’s way of releasing and expressing his emotions.

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Mostly, his bounces have been often seen when he has reprimanded Jose Baez or has been annoyed with him. He also bounces when he gives his instructions, as an indicator that he is serious and means business and wants his orders followed exactly as he says.

Judge Perry stated that the location where they will be doing Jury selection is secret and that he only plans to tell one member of each team in advance. That person who was told would be responsible for telling the other members of the team and that as long as they left by 8AM they would be able to get to the location on time. Perry stated that the attorneys are banned from disclosing the location to anyone, including their families.

So when Jeff Ashton stood up in the courtroom and said that his family would like to know where he is, Judge Perry was hopping, bouncing mad. Perry’s voice even got a bit louder as Ashton continued to object with his arms spread out and palms up as he displayed an open mouthed surprised expression at Judge Perry’s instruction.

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While bouncing in his chair, he said to Ashton “You are not going to be able to tell your family.” He then said he had no jurisdiction over Ashton’s family and that” if it was problem for you then you needed to speak to Mr. Lamar to see if he could replace you.”

Those were VERY powerful words and indciated that Judge Perry was extremely upset by Ashton’s outward defiance and questioning his order.

While this was going on, the one person who was loving the interchange was Jose Baez. He was smiling and smirking as he heard Perry’s harsh words to Ashton. Jose’s raised cheek smile indicated his genuine smile and happiness at the situation.

Jose was enjoying this so much that he had to turn away from looking at Ashton as he covered his mouth with his hand to stifle his giggles. As you can see from the photo above no one else in the courtroom seemed to be enjoying this interchange between Judge Perry and Ashton as much as Baez. Linda Drane Burdick is looking on in seriousness as is everyone else.

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Perhaps nothing would make Jose happier than seeing his biggest adversary, Ashton replaced by Mr. Lamar as Judge Perry suggested if Ashton could not abide by Judge Perry's request. Jose was no doubt loving the fact that it was now Ashton’s turn to feel Perry’s heat and experience his wrath that Baez has no doubt experienced so often in the courtroom.

The bottom line is that what Judge Perry says goes, and there is no arguing. His interchange with Ashton shows that he is fair and shows no favoritism to any of the attorneys. It is yet another example of Judge Perry’s seriousness and his admirably taking charge of his courtroom. [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

I have not seen a video of this but I have read about it. Something had to be bothering JP. I have never seen him behave in that manner.

In my opinion he was "out of order" to Jeff Ashton and owes him an apology. JA has worked endless hours and I am sure gathered many gray hairs over this case. To have the judge offer up one of the other prosecutors to take his place...undermines JA. I thought that very rude.

I greatly admire Judge Perry and realize this case is trying everybodys patience but that was..not right.