Indiana judge complains of smelly record in appeal

DISCUSS

Comments Comment on this story

INDIANAPOLIS — A state Court of Appeals judge complained that the record related to a criminal case from northern Indiana stunk — literally.

The court on Tuesday upheld a Monticello man's January conviction on charges of burglary and criminal confinement, but noted the condition of the court record from Cass County.

Judge Edward Najam said in a footnote to the ruling that the court record "emits an unpleasant odor consistent with that of cigarette or pipe smoke that is apparent, offensive, and consistent."

Najam asked those who submit documents to the appellate court to avoid such "contaminations" in the future.