Top 5 Times Defendants Represented Themselves in Court

During an arrest, accused criminals are told if they can’t afford an attorney, one will be appointed to them. Occasionally, brazen defendants decline a public defender and choose to represent themselves in their case. The Law&Crime Network’s Jesse Weber breaks down the top five times defendants represented themselves in court during high-profile trials.
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[@LawAndCrime]

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[@UnchainedAmerica]

Brooks waived his APPOINTED counsel, not his standby counsel. There are no standby counsels in Wisconsin. Judge Dorow told YOU, your WRITERS, and Darrell Brooks that he doesn't have the constitutional rights to standby counsel per Wisconsin law.

[@syoung6126]

And nice hairdo Barbie

[@syoung6126]

Sorry, we don’t speak Jive

[@maraandreytchev5699]

He's playing ATTORNEY...not doing good...he thinks hes an actor in a script

[@duaneoxtail9974]

spam

[@feliciiaab]

I just feel horrible for that 11 year old boy. I can’t imagine having to live with those memories.

[@stancexpunks]

At least the detective adopted him 🥺 so he didn’t have to grow up in the foster system and has someone responsible to raise him right

[@feliciiaab]

@@stancexpunks Yeah, that was so nice to hear.

[@TravellerZasha]

i know what it's like and it'll stick with him for life. I hope he gets the help he needs and doesn't blame himself or think he's a monster cause he's going to remember what his father said to him or at least find these videos.

[@khaleesireyna731]

Knowing that the detective investigating O'Neil's crime was the one to adopt the son is one beautiful thing in an otherwise ugly case. Given ONeils demeanor in court, I'm willing to bet money that Ronny was an absolute nightmare to be around. The fact that the detective not only adopted him, he gave him a whole family (the detective had 5 kids already) and they know his story and what he went through in detail, so they also know how to help him heal and move forward. That part honestly moved me to tears when I first heard it.

[@feliciiaab]

@@khaleesireyna731 That’s beautiful to hear! There is so much evil in the world so it’s always moving to hear something so beautiful and selfless.

[@marysummer08]

I died laughing when Ice-T reposted Ronnie’s rant on his IG and commented “He watched too much SVU”

[@JordanDragonAs]

That was funny since he is apart of that show

[@ruger504nola]

😂😂😂

[@cam-ev1bv]

Hilarious 😅😅😅

[@Rahhelthethird]

I can't believe Ronnie went out to defend himself with that hair. Doesn't matter if you were a suit if you still wear clown makeup.

[@NoseyNuNu]

😹😹💀 I missed that! Ice-T is hilarious 😁

[@nrwinner]

Darrell brooks be making coffee in the morning like “GROUNDS! GROUNDS!”

[@balancedaccounting2332]

🤣🤣

[@NeverTheSame]

I still say "GROUNDS!?" all the time when my wife questions things I say 😂

[@mkay3310]

ObJeCtIoN I dOn'T cOnSeNt To BeInG cAlLeD tHaT nAmE

[@Samizouza]

That would make his name Derail Brewed

[@TheBeautifulOne_Char]

"GROUNDS GROUNDS" 😂 😩

[@azninvasion]

The Darrell Brooks case was televised and the entire trial is online. This was the 1st case I had to watch the entirety of live. Seeing him try to argue jurisdiction, jury nullification, and that whole reddit thing was insane.

[@Originalman144]

He actually did a fairly good job and made the women in the court look incompetent by not debunking and addressing his statements.

[@Mizmoon2020]

@@Originalman144millions disagree with you, but ok.

[@kriss3d]

​@@Originalman144what? She made a perfect clear record. This case will be made education material for law school. She don't need to debunk his nonsense. That's not what the judge is for.

[@whiteobama3032]

I was glued to the screen. I recommend you watch entire depp vs heard, it was a hilarious shitshow.

[@JawnSmith]

​@@kriss3ddon't waste your time arguing with a sovereign citizen. They're allergic to logic

[@stancexpunks]

Being yelled at for hours straight isn’t going to make your point more impressionable on me, it’s going to make me think you’re a very angry individual that could very much snap and kill your entire family. If someone could yell like that at strangers who are responsible for deciding your fate.. imagine how he acts behind closed doors

[@ProfessionalKafir]

Yea, they expose their insensitivity

[@TheStarwars2011]

😂guys face at 36:01

[@DarrinR.-pq8md]

As if the hair style wasn't a dead giveaway to his insanity. 😅

[@Lauren_Tyler]

I so wanted to get in his face and tell him, "Aw, shut up!"

[@adamstevens1204]

He is acting like Reverand Jesse Jackson

[@misterx6490]

The Brooks trial was must-see. No matter how badly he behaved, Judge Jennifer Dorow had the patience of a saint.

[@canadagoof]

Hon. Judge Dorow was the absolute star of the proceedings! Undoubtedly, that case will be prime jurisprudence and be taught in law schools across the U.S.

[@Hippie-i8g]

Judge Dorow!!! ❤

[@sandybrickman1392]

I’ve watched it 3 times all the way through. She handled him perfectly!

[@CosmicNova1000]

Agreed

[@terencemarshall]

Did she though? Or had she already judged him before the evidence was set and refused to let him speak. 100% I believe he was guilty and his crimes were heinous, but that does not mean that he does not get the right of trial with impartiality with innocent until proven guilty. The Judge had already decided he was guilty in this case and used every ounce of her being to talk over him when he had an argument, when he tried to talk over back she said he was disrespectful of the court or held him in contempt. Can't have it both ways when impartiality is supposed to be the backbone of justice.....unfortunately we and the judge herself do not see this case without emotion and that should be a factor for a judge.

[@mirandaajames]

Judge Dorrow pointedly asked Brooks what name he wanted to be called during the trial and he avoided the answer.

[@Sir_Lagg_A_Lot]

If he had a problem with the way they were pronouncing his name, he could have just told them so. Instead he tried playing "I'm not me" games.

[@wallyman292]

@@Sir_Lagg_A_LotIt wasn't the pronunciation that he was arguing against. He was using an old stand-by sovereign citizen ploy where they insist our names represent some kind of government entity and/or contract which they refuse to acknowledge or enter into. Usually, they try to say they are instead "the beneficiary of the trust" of whatever their name is, and that they are only representing said person. It's just a bunch of BS mumbo-jumbo, of course. . .

[@zephyrhills8070]

Wrong. He said "Strawman"

[@boredstudent]

And Darrell was identified by his Wisconsin ID which police found in his pocket. Even the State DA used that in her closing argument.

[@rosalynjeffery9510]

​@@zephyrhills8070Objection 😂😂

[@jjk4586]

Ronnie should have been chained to the desk in the court room. The fact he was able to walk around in the court room is insane.

[@enriquefuentes2289]

He really thought he was the main character courtroom guy like in the movies

[@Megsy-JMK]

I was so shocked by that too!

[@Meilk27]

he's so cringe. like some weird mix of characters from movies and a church preacher

[@Crazycraw202]

2nd murderer pictures himself as Johnny Cochran!

[@bearok89]

Dude really watched Tom Cruise in A few good men and thought "Lemme get in on that"

[@chinadoll534]

If you allow clowns to represent themselves you will see a circus

[@j2simpso]

Everyone has a right to self representation. The constitution says so. If you don’t like it change the constitution. In the meantime, I’ll enjoy my popcorn and crackerjacks from the gallery! 😂

[@canadagoof]

@@j2simpso Amen! Though it is peanuts and beer for me! 🥜🍺

[@samuelwahls8315]

​@@canadagoofI prefer pita bread, artichoke dip, and a martini

[@OHHHHUSBANT]

​@@j2simpsonot really when they manage to get lucky and get the case thrown out by intentionally making the judge say something unlawful like baiting out the n word

[@eimearnighriofa1116]

This comment is gold 👩‍⚖

[@blackice9088]

Darrell Brooks is a perfect example of the saying "Someone that chooses to represent themselves in a court of law, has a fool for a client." 😂

[@shasmi93]

Maybe… but that quote was created by a lawyer. I have been screwed over financially by getting a lawyer more than not getting one.

[@kittybennett9004]

@@shasmi93Abraham Lincoln said that.

[@jomesias]

He does not identify by that name, for the record 😂😂😂

[@sydneyrector5486]

😂

[@simonsan5271]

This was said at the beggining of the video

[@akiser123]

It is disgusting that a father who murdered 2 of his family members was permitted to question the son he attempted to murder on the stand. While it is within his rights as the accused, it's absurd that he could sit there and try to discredit his child after the trauma he inflicted.

[@yungmilf]

my thoughts exactly, i cant begin to imagine what that poor little boy endured let alone at the hands of who did it to him... i understand why the court may have allowed it, but that boy needed protection and even in that court room they hardly did that... i hope hes doing more than okay in life

[@Fee212]

He got what was coming to him in the end.

[@williamroberts2878]

That guy's a case study for why you don't represent yourself: his opening statement is that his son didn't SEE him murder his wife. Ok then, so you just confessed to murdering your wife. The kid just didn't see you do it.

[@eimearnighriofa1116]

My heart goes out to this young man, I agree that it is horrific that he had to face his father and murderer of his mother and sibling in court and that there was not another way for his testimony to be heard. I truly hope this wonderfully brave young boy has had the opportunity to move forward and take advantage of the life that was very nearly stolen from him, despite all the tragedy of what happened.

[@onespoiledpup2019]

​​@@williamroberts2878 In his closing argument he stated again that he killed his wife. His son, who testified by phone. It was hard I am sure, but maybe now it will help him heal somewhat. The young man was very brave. I am so glad he has a new father that will give him a better life like he deserves.

[@wintermistique3399]

Before Darrell Brooks, I would have NEVER thought anyone would disrespect not only the judge, but the victims involved. He deserves every single uncomfortable day in prison!

[@terencemarshall]

You are thinking with emotion.

[@Marimiet]

with a cellmate called Bubba.

[@barrierodliffe4155]

@@terencemarshall What is wrong with emotions? I listened to what he did to not only the 6 who died but all the others he injured, some of them so badly that they were almost given up for dead. I found it hard to hear all of the details, he just played with his pencil/ If Darrel Brooks had any empathy he would never have shown so much disresepect, I loved the way the trial ended and his having to listen to the Prosecutor and the judge.

[@hotwheels762]

28:00 when the kid said "u stabbed me" man that was something fierce

[@jasonbanks6291]

Brooks building a fort was,classic 😂😂😂

[@neurocidesakiwi]

More forts in courts I say.

[@chinadoll534]

😂

[@joebloggs2635]

Not just any fort, it's known as "The Box Fort"

[@neurocidesakiwi]

@@joebloggs2635 no, it's a fort of law.

[@joebloggs2635]

@@neurocidesakiwi lol. He forte the law, and the law won. That's for sure.

[@RisitasKEKW]

Legend has it, brooks is still asking the judge to prove subject matter jurisdiction 😂

[@XiaoFury]

He has a good 700 years to wait for the answer.

[@the-basit-ali-com]

lmso@@XiaoFury

[@NoseyNuNu]

😹😹💀 I bet he really is 😭😣🫠

[@ryankerr7318]

Do you think he’s throwing out objections while in jail?

[@TTaylor1967]

😂 bout spit my coffee out laughing so hard at this one 😂

[@kimberlyphillips1138]

Brooks is the fricking devil. My heart goes out to his children and hope they have someone to love and protect them all of them.

[@MamaSymphonia]

Nah. The Devil's supposed to be super smart. He'd have stuck with an attorney.

[@thechosenone9769]

The reason it took 3 hours to come back with the verdict in the DB case was because they had to fill out the paperwork for all 76 charges.

[@arvayahrozier4402]

The ONLY reason! I'm sure they all had sore wrists after haveing to write "guilty" so many times but seeing him get sentenced was worth the pain.

[@Rominaxox]

Josh Jones ( the bald dude in the background) at 35:45 -36:20 made me burst out into laughter. we're all that same level of confused brother. 😂

[@irishgurl3078]

I understand people have the right to represent themselves in court but they shouldn’t be allowed to question their victims especially when that victim is a child.

[@RocketDogOfficial]

Defendants are allowed to cross-examine and face their accusers. You cannot have a witness for the prosecution without the defense being allowed to poke holes and discredit said witness in case the witness is not a reliable witness. There are no exceptions so that the system is fair to every single case. But unfortunately there will be scenarios like this where the Pro Se will be in a position to intimidate a close relative witness.

[@terencemarshall]

I would rather they do it than a skilled liar bred to confuse.....

[@lynneps864]

Especially if the victim is a child

[@carolchristiansen635]

Actually, Brooks cried for himself about himself through the whole trial. His defense was the poor pitiful me excuse.

[@Originalman144]

🤣🤣🤣

[@TinyTC]

He FAKE cried through the whole trial. And badly. Lol

[@janetmcginn907]

I love watching this. It's cathartic as a teacher. This is my life. Now imagine 7 of these kids in a class of 29, triggering each other and every one of them refusing to take "orders" from someone because they're completely oppositionally defiant.

[@kuuipobaby1]

I am so sorry you have to go through this with the youth of this generation, I can’t figure out if it’s lack of parenting, lack of common sense, lack of respect, or if they are all just being nasty, bless you for your patience, your attempts at helping the next generation grow up to be respectful citizens!! Thank you for all that you do!

[@adrsosas204]

i could never be a teacher. Even as a kid i remember thinking "no way i'll ever be a teacher, karma would get me" 😂

[@SK98765]

Facts

[@MusicLeeSarah]

12:08 OMG THIS IS, HANDS DOWN, MY FAVORITE MOMENT OF THE TRIAL!!! He sounds just like a hangry toddler as he mocks the prosecution... "The De-FeNd-DaNt!" 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@oliveb5768]

He kinda right tho she did put some stank on that when she said it 😂

[@katcraig7525]

@@oliveb5768 She sure did. I don't blame her.

[@MusicLeeSarah]

@@oliveb5768 of course she did! Lol she was having to do extra work for him... I personally would be resentful and would take every jab I could. if I remember correctly the witness they were talking about was 1 that he was calling for the defense. Keep in mind the prosecution kind of volunteers to help Brooks out with getting his witnesses subpoenaed to come to court, because he didn't have the resources to find them and then subpoena them from jail, and stay restrict their access to the internet and phones. I don't for a second believe that the prosecution was jumping to volunteer to do this. I have a feeling someone made them an offer that they literally couldn't refuse. I'm sure all of them involved with tracking down and subpoenaing his witnesses were resentful because they had other cases they were prosecuting other cases they were researching other cases where they had to deal with their own witnesses I feel like this was a burden on their already overloaded shoulders. A small burden yes but nonetheless a burden now put that all together with his courtroom antics his disrespect his complete lack of knowledge for court proceedings in general no doubt causes a level of frustration none of us have yet to experience. Lol. Just his reaction to it though was what was so funny for me. Since the minute his court proceedings started it was as if this man was regressing in age. His behavior would become more immature day after day after day. His reaction was definitely the maturity level of an angry hungry poopy diapered toddler. 🤣🤣🤣

[@Abdi-libaax]

How are these people not laughing 😂😂

[@D3nailo]

Haha i agree, that has to be the funniest moment 😂

[@sburns2421]

Ronnie deserves another 50 years just for that hair.

[@mrspeigle1]

That hair lost him alot of credit

[@sburns2421]

@@mrspeigle1 Aside from the overwhelming evidence against him including testimony from his own son I'm sure the hair was what did it.

[@damenwhelan3236]

I'd of gone for guilty for the hair alone.

[@AlaFrigginBama]

Looked just like “SideShow Bob”.

[@LDiamondz]

1 year for each hair on his head.

[@sandysmith1881]

I watched Darrell Brooks trial start to finish. The judge was a saint. I don't know how she stayed so calm. The name he didn't want to be called by was his given name..Darrell (pronounced like barrel) instead of DaRell.

[@mc.2737]

The best moment was when they showed his first interrogation and the cop asked him his name and his spelled out Darrell Brooks 😂

[@twocents7495]

The irony is the blanket goal is to try and prove they are the smartest one in the room.

[@Valspartame_Maelstrom]

@@mc.2737that wasn’t him. that was an agent 😅

[@dandylion9998]

I watched the whole thing, too. His overall behavior and lack of accountability is beyond maddening.

[@uscg1381]

She wasn't a saint. She was weak. Tomato/Tomato

[@ChiliCattt]

I am a docket nerd. I spend my days listening to live courts online. And perhaps the most universal aspect of everyone who goes pro se is that they believe they are smarter than everyone else in the room when the truth is the opposite

[@christopherfields9785]

I am a docket nerd.😂😂😂 Tell me why people nowadays start off comments with what they do?

[@ChiliCattt]

@@christopherfields9785 Interesting observation. You’re right. Now I see it everywhere 🤣

[@shasmi93]

@@christopherfields9785because the internet is SO FULL of fake crap and trolls. You have to state your sources and why someone should believe what you’re saying. So they start with what they do.

[@Tesla_Ampersand_Friends]

is there a trend as to which livestreams have more pro se peeps?

[@NoseyNuNu]

How do u find the live streams? Any suggestions? 😁they are fun to watch ☺️

[@shockman8014]

It's didn't take the jury 3 hours to reach the decision, it took them 3 hours to fill out the forms.

[@Boots_293]

There were ALOOOOOTTT of forms in that one!

[@vitologozzo3682]

I was wondering about that

[@S.T-Money]

“A lawyer who represents himself has a fool for a client.”

[@terencemarshall]

Because it will never be fair?

[@sabrinacasseus8783]

@@terencemarshallbecause unless you’re a lawyer who knows what your doing you are a fool to represent yourself in court

[@Tom_The_Cat]

I feel like during the Brooks trial, during the breaks, Judge Dorow went to her chambers and screamed into a pillow. I like what Emily D. Baker said "She probably doesn't have a gavel so she doesn't throw it at him."

[@Hippie-i8g]

Ha ha ha!!!! Judge Dorow earned that pillow...

[@JordanDragonAs]

​@skypilot2082 well she was pregnant as well

[@Hippie-i8g]

@@JordanDragonAs Is that right? Wow!

[@sarahjarrett8004]

@@JordanDragonAsI cannot imagine enduring listening to that man while pregnant

[@masondegaulle5731]

Gotta love watching narcissists trying to DARVO and gaslight a whole courtroom.

[@BrettHowell-wo1ik]

Darvo? What? Jw

[@dystopianaverice1981]

​@@BrettHowell-wo1ikdeny attack reverse victim and offender lol south park

[@_labacanitaz]

Darvo? Never heard of that one. 🤔 😶

[@_labacanitaz]

​@@dystopianaverice1981ohhhhh. thanks. hmm , that's a new one for me. 😅

[@terencemarshall]

Every Judge and prosecution ever.

[@80bbygrl]

How Oneil thought that hair was going to help him is beyond me.

[@oliveb5768]

Honestly how do you even maintain that in jail

[@2bunnies254]

Where's the electrical socket that did that?? Hope it was free.

[@jasminecarroll9788]

I'm really surprised O'Neil's conduct wasn't shut down sooner as a form a jury intimidation. That yelling and pacing, mixed with the crimes he was being accused of, it could easily be seen as jury intimidation. There's a difference between an "impassioned speech" and attempting to be intimidating.

[@KLC_xoxo]

I honestly think the judge was like go on show them exactly what you are like. But I do understand exactly where you are coming from x

[@OceanHedgehog]

@@KLC_xoxo Same, I think she knew that it was only hurting O'Neil since it showed how unhinged he is.

[@henrywalsh]

He looked like he was trying to mimic a fire-and-brimstone preacher. LOL

[@mackenziewoloschuk7375]

@@henrywalsh He sounded like a cult leader trying to show the power of his fake faith

[@andreadistefano1759]

guy: “objection hearsay, and speculative” judge: “umm, it’s neither one of those” 😂

[@blackice9088]

The second llast guy discharged his counsel so he could cross-examine the witness. I believe his intention was to try intimidating her. Good for her that she stood up to him and his tactics blew up in his face!😂

[@JDC2890]

Darrell Brooks: Commits contempt of court all the time, doesn't get removed except after repeated interruptions. Grieving family member: Makes one inflammatory comment, immediately removed.

[@ItzSailorChaos]

Judge didn't want to delay the trial for contempt of court. It's 10days (I think) for each offense so it was the better decision to deal with it

[@sirdopaminesjournal3292]

I think these are all malignant narcissists.

[@masondegaulle5731]

Without a doubt. In their mind, they've won every argument they've ever had, why would _this time_ be any different?

[@horsluvr23]

It came out during Brooks trial he had antisocial personality disorder It showed, bad lol

[@Resinpro]

Bingo, should’ve been titled as much

[@ellemorgan1331]

They absolutely are.

[@-crimson-2399]

Yep. Don't need to be a licensed psychologist to make that determination! The worst part is that these sociopaths basically see this as their time to shine. 15 seconds of fame is all that matters to them.

[@TinyTC]

lol Ronnie absolutely WAS imitating a combination of his mama scolding him combined with a movie lawyer’s opening statement. He even mentioned “menace to society” in his argument which, let’s face it, he never would have even had the vocabulary for if he hadn’t watched “Menace 2 Society.”

[@360entertainment2]

I got a little curious about if a sovereign citizen has ever won a court case and a quick google search has brought me this gem: “Sovereign Citizen arguments have no basis in law and have never been successful in any court. The movement may appeal to people facing financial or legal difficulties or wishing to resist perceived government oppression. As a result it has grown significantly during times of economic or social crisis.” This kind of makes me wonder why anyone would try and pull this?

[@johnbubba1143]

The most "victories" they get are having traffic tickets reduced or certain traffic violations dropped. Like they may get driving without insurance and/or registration dropped but still pay the speeding and/or seat belt ticket.

[@Soaring_lizzard]

It probably appeals to the type of people who think they’re the smartest one in the room.

[@TheIkaika777]

It’s a cult. I have no idea why people join cults.

[@wallyman292]

They're being sold on the whole sovcit grift by ruthless internet scammers, who provide bogus "proof" of the huge successes others have supposedly had using the lame arguments they push.

[@Meitti]

Because its a borderline religious nutjob cult, similar to flat earthers and reptilian cults and stuff.

[@kujju18]

35:56 I’m cracking up at the bald guys ( states attorney) facial expressions. I’m literally making the same face as well.

[@aliciaw2723]

I loved when he made sure to correct how heinous was pronounced, haha

[@DropStopRoll]

His reactions and facial expressions were absolutely hilarious 😂

[@OllySadlier]

When Brooks stated "the defendant" i swear he was Eddie Murphy from Shrek😂😂😂

[@thepastwastheworst2311]

That's so heartwarming that the detective adopted that child

[@Petey0707]

Idk about that detectives have been known to get innocent people locked up it’s like trading one narcissist with another

[@terencemarshall]

Or was it the greatest temporary tactic of the prosecution? Is the child still in the custody of the police officer?

[@thepastwastheworst2311]

@@Petey0707 so you think that the father is innocent?

[@thepastwastheworst2311]

@@terencemarshall how would it be a temporary tactic I think if what you said is true than it would just be a tactic

[@ecab992]

The first one legit sounded like a teacher trying to discipline an elementary student lol

[@davidz2016]

The Derail Brooks case was a case to remember. Such disregard for life and law . The Ronnie case was definitely a lower your ear phones kind of case . As soon as he screamed he lost his case .

[@_labacanitaz]

Okay did you spell that Derail to be clever or was that just a perfect coincidence? 😅

[@r.sanders8448]

DeRail Brooks. lmao... freakin PERFECT! 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@terencemarshall]

I agree with your statement but how a person acts in court, to a point, shouldn't be taken into consideration, only the words. Judging somebody on their demeanour isn't a case. Although I guess it was here.

[@ItzSailorChaos]

Derail 😂😂😂😂

[@davidz2016]

@@ItzSailorChaos that's what he did .

[@user-zs2mf9lb9b]

Darrell Brooks looks exactly like what I imagine goblins look like.

[@gandalf8216]

To me he looks like Dobby from Harry Potter but put through some AI filter to look more human.

[@alexisreads]

that 8 year old boy managed to WALK out of a burning building with multiple stab wounds?? That’s Superman as far as I’m concerned.

[@aj7803]

Brave kid indeed.

[@Fragilebaby275]

The fact that summers was allowed to cross reference his victim is disgusting. Protection should be in place for these individuals, even if the defender is representing themselves, should have someone do cross questioning on their behalf

[@adaezeelechi515]

@@Fragilebaby275 I’m stunned this was allowed. It must have been so traumatizing and terrifying for her

[@ArthurB26]

I disagree, it sucks but they have a legal right to confront their accusers and it's a right we all enjoy. I wouldn't want that right taken away from me, especially if I'm being falsely accused. Why should accusers be given special rights and treated as victims in front of a jury by the court system? That's unfair to defendants. Also in cases like this where the defendant is obviously guilty it always works against them and makes them look bad to the jury lol

[@SwedBaben]

I watched the whole Darrell brooks trial. He was wrong about everything except when he said the prosecutor said "the defEDaNtT" 😂 she actually said it like that 😂 so 1 p to Darrell and 2568900 points to judge durrow 😂

[@Ocyla]

She probably increased her volume as she stepped away from the mic but I still thought it was hilarious. Esp with DARE-ell constantly raising his voice, how DARE this WOMAN raise her voice. Lol. He's such a little gnome.

[@SwedBaben]

@@Ocyla I just love how judge Durrow gaslighted him that the prosecutor didn't say "the deFanDaNT" like that 🤣 I was like crying laughing

[@penelopejane5285]

Soooo true! I loved the DA team

[@neshahannah9555]

🤣🤣🤣

[@stephanie6058]

😂😂

[@This_Is_VeryNotFine]

The Brooks trial was the most entertaining thing I’ve ever watched. I was never so invested in hours of uncut footage of a trial.

[@amypratt624]

I really, really wanted to watch the whole trial. The whole case unfolding was interesting, him representing himself, etc. I was looking forward to watching the trial....and God knows I tried LOL....But MAN! I just couldn't do it!! Brooks tried my patience!! I don't know how Judge Dorow did it!!

[@damenwhelan3236]

When a seasoned judge says "this is the case that will haunt me" you done some horrific shyt

[@Hmb24]

'The DEFENDANT' Sue Opper is a legend

[@maxparkervfx]

Bradley Yohn and Derrell Brooks have the same hairline. Maybe we gotta look into that.

[@loftw_]

LMFAOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@surgedeb]

LMAO @ Brooks when the prosecutor said "defendant." ‼️ That was so funny. 😆

[@772amanda237]

36:01 the attorney in grey with the bald heads face says it all 😂😂😂

[@kelseydickey7123]

That was hilarious 😂😂

[@amypratt624]

omg that guys facial expressions had me rollin'!! That would have been my exact reaction too! His face totally said, "HUH???🤔 WTH....???😑 *shrug* Yaaa, okay buddy😏" Tooooo funny!!🤣🤣🤣

[@DropStopRoll]

His reactions had me crying...the confusion and absurdity of it all were just plastered all over his face. 😂😂😂

[@Bozbaby103]

Without snark or a$$holery, I sincerely think Ronnie O’Neal isn’t quite right in the head. Not because of his criminal actions, but by listening to him. I am NOT saying he should get away with this in ANY capacity (he didn’t), only that there are some wires short-circuiting in his noggin. He deserves everything his sentence demands of him. Happy he’s gone for life.

[@fredv7349]

It was the hair right?

[@terencemarshall]

He deserves it because you think he is mentally ill respective of if he was guilty or not? Think about what you are saying.

[@DropStopRoll]

​​@@terencemarshall He deserves because he IS guilty based on the facts of the case and because of the cruelty and viciousness of the crime...not because he is mentally ill. The original comment was just pointing out that there's no way he is right in the head (the way he acted in court.) He didn't say anything about this man "deserving it whether he is guilty or not." All of your 17+ comments twist what people say or weirdly defends these trash bag human beings in this clip. Very strange. I would go so far as to say that your clear hatred and distrust of the system has made your opinions incredibly biased which lends them no weight at all.

[@janicekelly6667]

That 2nd dudes hair makes me laugh every time I look at him. Especially when he's being "serious "

[@chadbishop-sr]

Narcissism is a helluva drug.

[@terencemarshall]

So is emotional investment

[@Areniapixie]

Clearly they did all have fools as clients 🤡 But I must thank them for the entertainment

[@tjrichez4297]

😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 Exactly

[@jtboss8139]

Not the last guy. He clearly got exactly what he wanted. Unreal

[@thunderdeed1]

If you are a lawyer or a law student you could be allowed to defend yourself. But to defend yourself with what you’ve learned from watching Law & Order your really going down a very dark road with a very low success rate.

[@Bad_Wolf_Media]

A lawyer or law student would be smart enough to not represent themselves.

[@ladydoombot]

Nahhh. I'm studying law and I wouldn't trust myself to do that. So much goes.into a good defense and having to do allllllll of that work while under all the stress of court... Never.

[@terencemarshall]

Yet you are supposed to have that right under the basics of law. Modern lawyers and judges need to realise what the actual 'basics' of law are not the laws they feel they should make themselves to determine a verdict. Justice has become lost.

[@DropStopRoll]

​​@@terencemarshall "Yet you are supposed to have that right under the basics of law." Everyone DOES have that right under the basics of law. 😂 But just because you have that right to represent yourself does not mean you should. All the defendants in this video are prime examples, the fools. These "modern judges" in this video granted these men their requests to represent themselves...they didn't deprive them of that right or fail to realize it like you claim. Our justice system is far from perfect but damn, did they get it right in all the cases mentioned here. ❤

[@Crazycraw202]

Love the guard/baliff behind Brooks! How he kept stoic, neutral face was impressive!

[@InAnotherTimeGirl]

I noticed that, too. But in his mind he was thinking, “This man is crazy AF.”

[@stancexpunks]

12:10 Lmfao, I’ll always laugh when I hear the prosecutor say “the deFENDANT!” and brooks imitating her 😂 cuz that’s the 1 time I actually agree with brooks that she said it like that, but I don’t think it was done on purpose & for malicious reasons.

[@friderification]

No she was totally annoyed brooks had just the one lmao

[@mtnvlifestyles]

😂😂😂 omg 100%. I just made a comment saying the same thing. I'm on his side for that. Her saying she did it so people could hear while she walked away from the desk is such b.s. I'm so happy someone else made a comment about it

[@mtnvlifestyles]

I think she did it on purpose.. or maybe subconsciously but it was definitely out of hatred

[@Myaabrams]

lmfaooooo

[@scotshanley]

I agree with you 100% and thought the exact same thing 😂

[@_labacanitaz]

47:34 if you ever needed proof of narcissistic personality disorder and sadism : here it is. He didnt think his attorneys werent capable of cross examination. *HE SPECIFICALLY WANTED TO DO IT TO RELIVE IT AND WATCH HER SUFFER!* 😤

[@melh4233]

The brooks case was so infuriating, she should had him throwing out and kept him out at the first few interruptions. Super disrespectful.

[@alexisreads]

I hope the judge that had to deal with Brooks that entire trial got a nice long tropical vacation afterward.

[@devium]

While I understand why the judge gave the death penalty for that last case, I would have absolutely gone "nope not a chance" and given him life without parole because clearly the guy feels like death row is a cushy option compared to gen pop and basically buddy got what he wanted.

[@BionicPig95]

Ronnie’s opening statement is one of the most unhinged things I’ve ever seen. How did he possibly think screaming and looking so violently angry would make the right impression on the jury

[@Ichneumonxx]

How to say you're guilty without saying you're guilty? O'Neill: Hold my dead spider wig.

[@youtubeinception4647]

Second guy clearly watched too many court movies where the lawyers do nothing but shout.

[@Bcorcoran100]

I PROCLAIM THAT IN FACT HE WHO I DECLARE WITHOUT PROPER REPRESENTATION MAY BE JUDGED NOT BY THE CLAIMS OF THE SO-CALLED "JUDGE" AS THEY HAVE NOT SEEN WHAT THIS WITNESS BELIEVES THEY MAY, OR MAY HAVE NOT SEEN. BASED ON THOSE FACTS, I AM SO SAWWY I DIDNU NUFFIN, IT AINT MY FAULT!

[@youtubeinception4647]

@@Bcorcoran100 🤣🤣🤣

[@Samizouza]

Apparently he thinks he's on Law/Order SVU

[@ThePrimeMinisterOfTheBlock]

This is gold 🤣🤣 that second guy, the forceful orator, he's like a cross between Phoenix Wright and Alan Shore

[@jasminecarroll9788]

"Mr. Brooks himself got emotional." No he didn't. He just didn't prepare a closing statement. Every single one of those pauses, he's trying to think of what to say next.

[@jtboss8139]

No, he was getting as much attention as he could and trying to manipulate the jury. He is a narcissist to the T

[@_labacanitaz]

The same with his opening. "I won't argue FACTS" uhhhhh , yeah , because the facts show you killed O6 people and injured nearly 1OO! 😤

[@bamenachim8203]

Imagine having to relive a traumatizing experience via the questions asked by the person who did it to you. It's like they get one last chance to abuse you.

[@Demure3000]

12:13 She did add a little spunk when she said, "The defendant," though 😂

[@RedneckSpaceman]

"The defen-DANT!!"

[@girthybrowns4489]

Main takeaway: never represent yourself when you’re a total psycho.

[@damenwhelan3236]

Yeah.. but they're the ones who don't listen to reason.. on account being psycho...

[@chimchimcharoo56]

legend has it that Darrell brooks is still looking for subject matter jurisdiction

[@jayvansickle7607]

I love how his "current" lawyer tries to show him something...and Brooks ignores him...

[@AngUnfettered_MyHealthJourney]

The way that DA yelled got me all fired up!! Go dude!!!

[@_labacanitaz]

36:04 dude's face says what we're all thinking at this point. 😂 he's literally screaming "what the actual--?" "is this real?" 😂 yes , sir. it's real ... crazy enough.

[@xitheris1758]

Someone sought the death penalty because death row is "luxury" prison, and the likelihood of actually being executed is minimal... Wrong or right, both are terrifying.

[@slendii366]

Wow that’s insane

[@NinjaMan420]

These guys…how horrible of human beings they all are. I hope that they don’t ever get out of jail. These are the kinds of people we need to protect not only ourselves, but our children from.

[@darabennett4316]

The pokerfaces on some of these court cops😂

[@Mdeaccosta]

The best was the bailiff in the Murdaugh case. Watch him during sentencing...😁

[@rosylagoon3600]

"Objection, hearsay, and speculative." "Um... it's not either one of those things..." 🤣

[@WarriorWomann]

Defending yourself is akin to doing your own eye surgery. We hire specialists for a reason!

[@XaviRonaldo0]

Especially when you're in prison and have little ability to get things done

[@terencemarshall]

We hire specialists to lie and deceive the court system. It is nothing more than that at its base. They know how to lie and cheat a system so we hire them. Defending yourself is the highest god-given right you are given but you will always lose because you are not deemed either qualified enough or smart enough by a corrupt system that would be embarrassed to lose.

[@kens7509]

Judges honestly have such a tough job. They have to endure these insane defendants and cant lose their temper to prevent mistrials etc. On top of that they have to examine all the gruesome and terrible evidence of all the victims. True heroes in our communities (except the corrupt ones)

[@njcamocutie7085]

Title should be LOSERS WHO TRIED TO DEFEND THEMSELVES AND ALL LOST!!!

[@fitecommander5565]

NAH...actually, they are very smart people..They knew their lawyers are garbage. It reminds me when i take my car to a mechanic, he charges me but does not fix or later i find missing bolts..So this criminal are actually very smart.. THEY wasited TAX payers money, and time. They even became famous, and to be truthful, they are very intresting too.

[@jinaringhofer5379]

@@fitecommander5565NOT SMART. Evil!!!

[@DropStopRoll]

​@@fitecommander5565 There's a big difference between being smart and being charismatic. Most sociopaths and narcissistic people ARE charismatic and interesting. That does not mean they are intelligent, especially where the law and rules of evidence are concerned. I'd also argue that these garbage pails are not famous, but infamous. Just my opinion. P.S. Wasted not waisted.

[@772amanda237]

27:50 that poor child 😢 to have to face his own father in court after the heinous crimes he witnessed his father do to his sister and mother 😭😱 prayer for healing 🙏

[@MB-gl6tt]

I thought the same thing...that shouldn't have been allowed.

[@mtnvlifestyles]

Ronny has watched one too many lawyer movies 😂😂. He just dramatically shouts big words 😅😅

[@Inbetweenthelinesnow]

He should NOT HAVE been able to walk around the courtroom!

[@terencemarshall]

A court of his peers?

[@kendal4452]

It seems to me, when criminals represent themselves, they end up getting much longer sentences.

[@TBonerton]

It's pretty clear a few of these guys watched too many lawyer movies to prep for trial. They can't even act like lawyers.

[@croach2194]

If Ronnie O'Neal III thought shouting at the jury would win him points, he is very out of touch with most of society. If I were a juror I would think he was a person prone to temper and rage and I would be more likely to convict him. I am disgusted the judge gave him what he wanted.

[@YavaTay]

I called Morgan & Morgan and was told after giving them the particulars of my case that they didn't believe I had a winnable case. Well I appealed the decision myself and won my judgement. Thanks Morgan & Morgan for the decline 😁

[@frankreads8618]

It's kinda amazing watching people who think that being a lawyer and arguing a case in court is easy.

[@UnchainedAmerica]

Funny. During Yohn's testimony, he made an admission being inside the house, but denies it during his closing argument. The jury caught his lie and peg him to life in prison for his heinous crimes.

[@catsordogs_lh]

You mean hay-nee-ous 😂😂?

[@Ocyla]

Yeah during his closing, I believe, he also slips up and said something like "my mommy didn't teach me to do this" almost in tears. Total confession.

[@Bad_Wolf_Media]

I'll make one clarification, just because there's a difference in IL law. Yohn was NOT given life in prison. He was sentenced to 130 years in this case (not counting another 7 in a separate case), and he'll be eligible for parole, if memory serves, in something like 110 or 115 years. Now, you and I both know that this means he'll be in prison until he dies, but legally there is a difference. In Illinois, Natural Life has no chance of parole.

[@TanyaMedina77]

I have never seen a judge have that much patience in life…. She is a saint.

[@joecope9935]

O'Neal shouting his arguments reminds me strongly of some TV preachers.

[@Sam590ss]

24:50 dude watching way too much courtroom tv shows 😂😂

[@Boots_293]

The Darrell Brooks trial was actually unwatchable.. I have no idea how the judge just sat there patiently and stayed composed. I would’ve lost it

[@mr.peanutbutter6969]

You would've caused a mistrial.

[@robkidd1835]

I wonder how the family members of Lorenzo's victims feel about him getting the death penalty after he spent so much time explaining why living on death row would be easier and come with perks he wouldn't otherwise have living within the regular prison system. Giving him what he wants, so he can live comfortably until he is "euthanized "and get on with being reincarnated feels to me like his way of robbing his victims of justice. It's as though he is making it clear that he feels no remorse, doesn't care who he hurts and that there's absolutely nothing that can be done to him that would feel like punishment. It's like he is saying, " Nanna Nana boo boo you can't get me!"

[@georgiabadon2577]

Brooks was not only a fool he was a damn fool

[@lordbohundecasio541]

This is how American judicial system lets victims down that there should be an aptitude test for the allowed to represent themselves to see if they got the intelligence to do

[@Axxe80]

Ronnie may have lost his criminal case, but I have no doubt he will win the trial against his hair stylist.