Hello
My sister-in law went to court for credit card debt . The judge ordered her to get a job she is 50 and never worked. Can a judge order her to get a job? This is in the state of Maine. He said if she didnt have a job in 2 months she will be in contemt. Thank -you

macksmom

Yes he can order her...and he did. If she can get a credit card and max it out, she can't just not pay because she doesn't want to work.

If there is no medical reason why she can't work, she will need to in order to pay off the debt.

excon

Hello shari:

A judge can rule ONLY whether a defendant is guilty of a crime or responsible for a debt. He can't order anyone to work.

excon

macksmom

People found gulity in court are ordered to do things all the time....jail time, community service, rehab, etc. Ordering the defendent to get a job is no different. Just like the said ordered things, if she doesn't comply she is in contempt of a court order.

s_cianci

A judge can order anything he wants. Of course, 2 months isn't a whole lot of time to find a job of any substantial means, besides minimum wage at McDonald's or something like that.

mr.yet

BY ordering someone to get a job, to pay a debt, is placing that person in slavery to the benefit the creditor, Slavery is not permitted in the US.

THe judge by doing so has violated his oath of office, to uphold the constitution.

We the people!!!!!

this8384

Omg, that's not slavery. That's called being an adult and having responsibilities. The judge didn't order her to work for free. She ran up a bill; she has an obligation to pay it. Once she pays the bill, she can quit if she wants to.

2 months is completely fair, even if it is a minimum wage job. She doesn't have to go out and start making $70,000 a year; she only has to obtain some form of income to repay her debt.

This is no different than when a couple gets a divorce and one of the parties is seeking alimony. If they don't have a job, they are ordered to find one because it's ridiculous to let them live off of their ex "just because."

Emland

Although I think she should get a job and honor her debts, I don't believe a judge can order it. That would be considered involuntary servitude and is unconstitutional. She needs an attorney.

mr.yet

Granted one must pay the bills, but I have a problem with any judge who don't obey his oath of office. In this case he abused his power and violated his oath.

Judges and some lawyer are nothing more than debt collectors for the banks and credit card companies, they are protecting the money, nothing more.

We the people need to speak up and challange the court to obey the constitution, if we dont, we will all be slaves.

excon

Hello again:

If you actually read the laws, you will find the sanctions listed. The sanctions are part and parcel of the law. THOSE sanctions, and ONLY those sanctions, may be imposed on a defendant upon the finding of guilt (in a criminal case) or responsibility (in a civil case).

A judge CANNOT sentence someone to ANYTHING he wants. He just CAN'T!

excon