Judge, DA spat may continue with complaint

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ATLANTA, April 2 (UPI) -- A spat between a long-time Georgia judge and Fulton County's district attorney landed the lawyer in jail, but the confrontation might not end there.

Prosecutor Paul Howard said through a spokesman he may file a complaint against Judge T. Jackson Bedford Jr. for wielding his power unfairly.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports when a rape trial ended in acquittal Friday, Bedford gave the jury an opportunity to answer questions about the case with the defense and prosecuting team.

But when Howard, who didn't try the case himself, asked a question, Bedford warned him not to. When Howard refused to back down, he was handcuffed and sent to a holding cell.

Bedford said he should allow the younger attorneys to get feedback.

Terry Sullivan, the jury foreman, described the scene as "two stubborn mules."

Howard said he may file a complaint with the Georgia Supreme Court's Judicial Qualifications Commission.