Some state lawmakers are calling for new laws to punish people who attack lawyers, judges, and other court personnel during judicial proceedings.
There was an attack recently in a Lansing courtroom on a prosecutor.
A felon about to be sentenced lunged at the prosecutor wielding a shiv smuggled inside his sleeve. The attack was thwarted by police officers in the courtroom.
State Senator Curtis Hertel says attacking a court officer should be its own crime.
“When we have a space where justice is done, we need to make sure the people in that room are protected,” he says.
The assailant already faces a heavy punishment.
Charges of terrorism, assault with intent to commit murder, and weapons offenses could keep him in prison for the rest of his life if he’s convicted.