Missouri town's judge creates 'shame corner'

BELLE, Mo. -- A judge is giving residents of a small central Missouri town a chance to choose public humiliation over jail time for some legal problems.

Municipal Court Judge Richard Skouby of Belle said his new policy allows offenders to spend two hours standing on a downtown "Corner of Shame" holding a sign describing their offenses. They still have to pay fines but avoid a contempt charge.

KRCG reported the judge says the Maries County town has a serious problem with people not showing up for court.

Belle City Marshall Joe Turnbough said the policy is mostly for people who don't make court dates or don't pay municipal fines on time. He said reaction in the town of 1,500 has been mixed but more people are paying their fines on time.

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Information from: KRCG-TV, http://www.krcg.com