There is a difference. When the judge is scolding someone, they're talking to them, not about them.

Probably won't hold him accountable though.

in theory, that would depend on the legal merits of the case moreso than his conduct in the courtroom - but in the american legal system, it's famously a bad idea to get on the bad side of a judge, especially one who's actively judging you.

it's not a bad fight to pick but it's a weird place to pick it