Texas Judge Demanded Respect as 'Duly Elected' Before Viral Clash

Emails reveal judge's combative exchanges with district clerk over 'ineptitude' before courtroom outbursts

Apr. 2, 2026 at 6:35am

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A Texas judge caught on video berating an IT worker in a courtroom confrontation had previously sent explosive emails to a district clerk demanding respect as a 'duly elected judge' and ordering a 'subordinate' to do their job, newly surfaced messages show. Harris County Civil Court Judge Nathan Milliron aired his frustration in heated exchanges with District Clerk Marilyn Burgess, outraged at the office's 'ineptitude' and ordering staff to immediately address his concerns.

Why it matters

The judge's combative emails and viral courtroom conduct have sparked backlash, with attorneys criticizing his behavior and the Texas Ethics Commission fining him for failing to comply with state financial disclosure laws. The case raises questions about judicial temperament, the balance of power between elected officials, and the public's trust in the legal system.

The details

In one May 2025 email, Milliron wrote to Burgess: 'My court will no longer be stagnant because of DCO's ineptitude. THIS IS NO LONGER AN ASK. GET ME A CLERK THAT RESPONDS TO ME and does the job!' He then demanded the 'same respect as any other judge in the courthouse,' noting he is a 'duly elected judge.' In another August 2025 email, Milliron called out a district clerk's office employee, flatly labeling her his 'subordinate' and ordering: 'THAT IS AN ORDER!' The emails surfaced amid backlash over Milliron's explosive courtroom exchanges, including a viral video showing him berating an IT worker and threatening to cuff a defense attorney.

  • In May 2025, Milliron sent emails to District Clerk Marilyn Burgess demanding respect and a responsive clerk.
  • In August 2025, Milliron sent an email labeling a district clerk's office employee as his 'subordinate' and ordering her to do her job.
  • In January 2025, Milliron began serving on the bench in the 215th District Court.

The players

Nathan Milliron

A judge on the Harris County Civil Court in Texas who has faced backlash over his combative emails and viral courtroom conduct.

Marilyn Burgess

The District Clerk of Harris County, Texas, who Milliron emailed to express frustration over the 'ineptitude' of her office.

Lisa

A district clerk's office employee who Milliron labeled as his 'subordinate' in an email.

James Stafford

An attorney who criticized Milliron's behavior and was ordered to appear in his courtroom after emailing the judge to urge him to apologize.

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What they’re saying

“I've never seen a judge act this way. His conduct was way out of hand.”

— James Stafford, Attorney

What’s next

The Texas Ethics Commission is investigating Milliron's compliance with state financial disclosure laws, and he is facing fines for missed filings. Attorneys have also spoken out against his behavior, with one ordered to appear in Milliron's courtroom after urging him to apologize.

The takeaway

The judge's combative emails and viral courtroom outbursts have raised serious concerns about judicial temperament and the balance of power between elected officials. The case highlights the importance of maintaining public trust in the legal system and the need for judges to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and impartiality.