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Updated 2025-09-18 02:32
Court Rules Bread Does Not Meet Definition of Bread
Under Irish tax law, the—wait. Who just tested positive for what? Seriously?
A Four-Thousand-Word Sentence
The sentence at the end of the proceedings was much worse, in a different way. Related StoriesJudge Deploys Rumpelstiltskin Metaphor for Sixth TimeYour Honor, I Direct You to Article 61 of the Magna CartaCourt Says Lawyer's “Colorful Insults” Did Not Help His Clients' Case
Assorted Stupidity #137
Only a small selection of the incredibly huge number of stupid things to happen recently. Related StoriesAssorted Stupidity #136Assorted Stupidity #135Assorted Stupidity #134
City Plans to Call Off Its 13-Year War on Saggy Pants
Possibly having realized there are more important things to worry about.
Judge Deploys Rumpelstiltskin Metaphor for Sixth Time
That's fine, but some of these other words are a real problem. Related StoriesA Four-Thousand-Word SentenceCourt Says Lawyer's “Colorful Insults” Did Not Help His Clients' Case
Your Honor, I Direct You to Article 61 of the Magna Carta
Tip: No winning legal argument will ever begin with these words. Related StoriesA Four-Thousand-Word SentenceThe Middle Finger and the LawCan You Sue a Dead Person?
Fine, Get in the Sea, Crooks
UPDATED: Now with even more sea and two additional crooks. Related StoriesFelon Who Died in Tragic Fall Found Alive in ClosetAre We Still Doing Attempted Water Escapes?
Yet Again, Gravitational Risks Held to Be “Obvious”
Falling: it's been dangerous for literally millions of years. Related StoriesCourt Says You Can't Bang Gongs Near a Hospital
Felon Who Died in Tragic Fall Found Alive in Closet
Well, allegedly dead. Related StoriesFine, Get in the Sea, CrooksAre We Still Doing Attempted Water Escapes?
An Evening With Blago
Dinner will be served. Also propaganda. Related StoriesCourt Dismisses Representative's Claim Against Twitter in Satirical-Cow CaseEnd of Speech Shouted
DOJ Says It Could Take Bribes in Court and the Judge Could Do Nothing
This is a VERY long post, but that's because it includes excerpts from the oral argument so you will believe this happened.
Assorted Stupidity #136
In this edition: a fake-your-own-death tip, stealing stolen goods, a couple of harassers get jail time, and the continued retreat of the "plain smell" doctrine. Related StoriesAssorted Stupidity #135Assorted Stupidity #134Assorted Stupidity #133
Does the Excessive Fines Clause Apply to Parking-Meter Violations?
Will there be references to the Magna Carta in this one? Oh yeah. Related StoriesThe Middle Finger and the LawCan You Sue a Dead Person?Nope, Twitter Isn't Violating the First Amendment
Court Says Lawyer’s “Colorful Insults” Did Not Help His Clients’ Case
Also not helpful: over-the-top metaphors. Related StoriesAttorney Charged With Criminal Mischief for Egging Judge's CarTip: “BOOM SHAKALAKA” May Not Be Best Response to Contempt PetitionCourt Declines to Sanction Lawyer for Alleged “Butt Shaking” During Mediation
Who’s Trying to Trademark Every Potential Washington Football Team Name?
I don't think the "Washington Lobbyists" is taken yet.
Neighbor Who Griped About Property Line Ends Up With Half a Garage
Think before you gripe.
Pro-Virus Floridians Challenge Mask Mandate
Is the coronavirus funding this lawsuit? Related StoriesCourt Dismisses Representative's Claim Against Twitter in Satirical-Cow CaseNope, Twitter Isn't Violating the First AmendmentJudge Asks Attorneys to Wear Shirts, Get Out of Bed for Videoconferences
Assorted Stupidity #135
In this edition: we're still pretending to be a democracy for now, some poorly chosen tattoos, I mention a toad-venom case I forgot to mention, and some nonsense about islands. Related StoriesAssorted Stupidity #134Assorted Stupidity #133Assorted Stupidity #132
Official State Crap: Hawaii
Twelfth in the series.
Are We Still Doing Attempted Water Escapes?
Sure, why not?
The Middle Finger and the Law
Seems more important than ever to reiterate that displaying a middle finger should almost always be considered protected speech. Related StoriesNope, Twitter Isn't Violating the First AmendmentCan You Sue a Dead Person?Court: Len Dykstra's Reputation Is So Bad He Can't Be Libeled
Court Dismisses Representative’s Claim Against Twitter in Satirical-Cow Case
Claims against the satirical cow and a couple of others have not failed yet, but will. Related StoriesNope, Twitter Isn't Violating the First AmendmentEnd of Speech Shouted
Attorney Charged With Criminal Mischief for Egging Judge’s Car
He explained that it was all in fun, but the judge doesn't seem to have been amused. Related StoriesTip: “BOOM SHAKALAKA” May Not Be Best Response to Contempt PetitionCourt Declines to Sanction Lawyer for Alleged “Butt Shaking” During MediationJudge Asks Attorneys to Wear Shirts, Get Out of Bed for Videoconferences
Can You Sue a Dead Person?
Has this issue come up repeatedly? Of course it has. Related StoriesThe Middle Finger and the LawCourt Invalidates Result of Rock-Paper-Scissors Match
Assorted Stupidity #134
In this edition: the president's lawyers say some words, the risks of using Zoom in legal proceedings, a Florida man wants his job back, and a donkey gets arrested for gambling. Related StoriesAssorted Stupidity #133Assorted Stupidity #132Assorted Stupidity #131
The $65-Million-Pants Case: Year 16
I'm glad this is probably the end, because I may actually be out of things to say about it at this point. Related StoriesTip: “BOOM SHAKALAKA” May Not Be Best Response to Contempt PetitionCourt Declines to Sanction Lawyer for Alleged “Butt Shaking” During Mediation
Saudi Divorce Rate Spikes During Lockdown; Wives Reportedly Learning of “Secret Marriages”
Another casualty of the coronavirus. Related StoriesWearing Masks: Legally Required, but Also Illegal
Court: Len Dykstra’s Reputation Is So Bad He Can’t Be Libeled
Not too many people are "libel-proof" as a matter of law, but Lenny Dykstra turns out to be one of them. Related StoriesNope, Twitter Isn't Violating the First Amendment
“The Facts Are Unusual,” Says Judge About Acquittal in Mistaken-Home-Invasion-Broom-Sex-Fantasy Case
"Are you sure you're not Kevin?" the man with the machete asked. Related StoriesJudge Asks Attorneys to Wear Shirts, Get Out of Bed for Videoconferences
Nope, Twitter Isn’t Violating the First Amendment
It can't. Related StoriesCourt: Len Dykstra's Reputation Is So Bad He Can't Be Libeled
Court Says You Can’t Bang a Gong Near a Hospital
Technically, you could probably still do so if you were able to do it very quietly. Related StoriesWashington Courts Still Split on Definition of “Motor Vehicle”
Tip: “BOOM SHAKALAKA” May Not Be Best Response to Contempt Petition
Maybe on the way out of court after you win, but probably at no other time. Related StoriesCourt Declines to Sanction Lawyer for Alleged “Butt Shaking” During MediationJudge Asks Attorneys to Wear Shirts, Get Out of Bed for Videoconferences
Bad Disguise #9: Watermelon Head
The latest in a very occasional series.
Buyer of Soon-to-Be-Ex-Parrot Wins Implied-Warranty Claim
Contrary to some reports, the bird in question is not yet an ex-parrot.
Assorted Stupidity #133
Things are remarkably stupid right now, but I'm trying to limit these to 500 words or so. Related StoriesAssorted Stupidity #132Assorted Stupidity #131
Court Declines to Sanction Lawyer for Alleged “Butt Shaking” During Mediation
Only because he had suffered enough already. Related StoriesTip: “BOOM SHAKALAKA” May Not Be Best Response to Contempt PetitionJudge Asks Attorneys to Wear Shirts, Get Out of Bed for Videoconferences
Washington Courts Still Split on Definition of “Motor Vehicle”
Do riding mowers and snowmobiles qualify? Are you sure?
Court Invalidates Result of Rock-Paper-Scissors Match
Is this my longest article yet? Possibly. Is it worth it? Also possibly.
Wearing Masks: Legally Required, but Also Illegal
One way out of this dilemma: declare New York City to be a "masquerade party" until further notice.
Assorted Stupidity #132
In this edition, "total authority," felony eluding, coronavirus lawsuits, and an unlikely "date night" involving a Native American burial ground. Related StoriesAssorted Stupidity #131
Judge Asks Attorneys to Wear Shirts, Get Out of Bed for Videoconferences
Seriously? Yes.
“The Agents Involved Speak an Almost Impenetrable Jargon”
I don't think this has improved during the 40 years since this opinion was written. Related StoriesEdgar Allan Poe: Bankruptcy Judge
Edgar Allan Poe: Bankruptcy Judge
If you think bankruptcy decisions can't be poetic ... well, I guess it's still debatable. Related Stories“The Agents Involved Speak an Almost Impenetrable Jargon”
Assorted Stupidity #131
In this edition: ship attacked with train, drunken driver's ed, a man tries to enforce a relationship promise in court, an alleged dinosaur attack, and so on. Related StoriesAssorted Stupidity #132
End of Speech Shouted
After request for additional time denied.
How Many Axe-Throwing Coaches Does It Take to Have a Class Action?
It's not a riddle. Well, it kind of is.
Court: Your Unicorn Case Is Not an “Emergency”
"The world is facing a real emergency. Plaintiff is not." Related StoriesKansas Man Seeks Trial by CombatHappy Holidays! (Now Get Out of My Courtroom)Huang v. Hollywood
“Shelter in Place”: Does It Mean Zombies Are Attacking? An Analysis
The situation is dire, but maybe not quite that dire? Related StoriesAnother Year of Lowering the BarAdios MugabeWhy the “Six Ways Buzzfeed” Brief Is Less Than Amazing
A Message from Lowering the Bar Regarding the Coronavirus
Everybody else seems to be sending one. Related StoriesProposed Law Would Prevent Climate Change in MontanaNew Jersey May Declare an Official State MicrobeSnake-Mailing Rules Revisited
It’s Judge Edison, Not Judge Ellison
"Judge Ellison and I are two completely different people," Edison reminded the parties. Related StoriesA Note From Kevin (Hereinafter, “Me”) to All Attorneys (Hereinafter, “You”)Seventh Circuit: “We Draw the Line at Gibberish”“Everything About This Case Turns Out to Be Stupid,” Says Judge
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