The actions of Judge Traci Soderstrom in an Oklahoma trial over a 2-year-old’s murder have come under scrutiny and criticism after a video surfaced showing her allegedly scrolling on her phone for “hours” during the proceedings. The video, which spans around 50 minutes, captures the judge frequently using her phone, mainly scrolling through Facebook, even as the child’s mother cried on the stand.
Interestingly, Judge Soderstrom had reportedly instructed the jury to turn off their electronic devices to ensure their focus on the evidence presented during the trial. However, it appears that she did not adhere to the same rule herself, raising questions about her impartiality and commitment to upholding court decorum.
In response to the video’s release, the Oklahoma Council on Judicial Complaints has initiated an investigation into Judge Soderstrom’s actions. This investigation aims to determine whether her behavior during the trial violated any ethical or professional standards expected of a judge.
The outcome of the investigation will shed light on whether Judge Soderstrom’s actions had any impact on the trial’s fairness and if there are measures to be taken to prevent similar incidents in the future. The public’s trust in the judiciary relies on transparent and accountable conduct, and it is crucial that judicial officials uphold the highest standards of professionalism and attentiveness during court proceedings.
