Don't get me wrong, I greatly admire attorneys who become PDs, knowing they will be faced with near insurmountable case loads, difficult access to clients (in NOLA), at a fraction of the money they might make in private practice.

BUT, if I were one of those having sat in jail for months while they try to get operational again I would personally stand up and cheer the actions of the judge.

If there was a scheduling conflict it should have been resolved PRIOR to time to appear for they are, after all, there to represent someone, not make excuses as to why no one showed up for hearings.

And it cuts both ways. I have seen many a judge, when an attorney shows up late, whose very first words to the attorney were, "Sir, I hope you have your checkbook with you so that you don't wind up in the holding tank and on your way to jail tonight...."

And being imprisoned is not a choice, most often, so why should a prisoner have to tolerate continuances for absent attorneys who do have free will and the ability to exercise it.

Sorry, but I think the judge did the right thing, and that he should aggressive in maintaining control of his courtroom.