Florida Judge Questions Domestic Violence Suspect on Steak Cooking at Bond Hearing
A Florida judge's unusual conversation about steak preparation with a domestic violence defendant during a bond hearing has drawn criticism.
A Florida judge asked a domestic violence suspect for advice on how to cook the perfect steak during his bond hearing, a conversation that has since drawn criticism.
Judge Allison Gilman, of the 17th Judicial Circuit, questioned Christopher Johnson, who works as a chef at a Florida bar, about his culinary expertise before setting his bond. Johnson had been arrested on domestic battery charges.
"If you were going to cook me a dish, what would it be?" Gilman asked Johnson, according to footage obtained by WSVN. Johnson responded that he would start with steak on the grill.
Gilman then commented on her own steak-cooking difficulties, stating, "I either burn it on the outside and then it’s not enough on the inside, or I just overcook it." Johnson offered advice, suggesting the steak be angled at the "10 o'clock and two o'clock position in the pan." The judge responded with "Wow." She then began to ask about preventing chewiness but seemingly stopped herself.
Despite the domestic battery charges and court records indicating a prior arrest for aggravated battery involving the same victim while she was pregnant, Gilman set Johnson's bond at $1,500. When she asked if he could afford it, Johnson replied, "Yes." Gilman then remarked, "Of course you can. With those kinds of things you’re cooking," and mentioned visiting his workplace, Slackers.
This is not the first time Judge Gilman has discussed food in her courtroom. Earlier in October, she reportedly made a comment about her own "shrimp-making abilities" with a suspect who worked at a seafood restaurant.
Linda Parker, CEO of Women in Distress, criticized the judge's line of questioning. "Turn the steak? What? We’re talking about steak in a domestic violence case?" Parker told WSVN. "It just tells survivors: 'I may not get the justice that I need.'"
The chief judge in Broward County acknowledged awareness of the video clip but declined to comment. The Daily Mail has reached out to Gilman for comment.