From a Transcript I Just Read,

in a case brought by a fellow law professor.

THE COURT: [T]he deposition transcript is long, I think. I would suggest to plaintiff that he answer the questions directly; and then, shut up.

[PLAINTIFF'S COUNSEL]: He is a professor, your Honor.

THE COURT: That may be part of the problem.

Comments

[Alan Vanneman]

Walter Mondale: When I was vice president every time I told a joke everyone laughed. When I stopped being vice president, I stopped being funny.

Also known as "the Scalia disease."

[JeffDG]

"Part" of the problem? Methinks the judge is underestimating the impact.

[Beldar]

I was the witness on the stand in 2002, in a jury trial in federal court in Los Angeles, before the late Hon. Manuel Leal, when the following ensued:

Q: Now, in two sentences or less, can you explain what it was that [Parties A, B, C & D] were saying that brought [Party E] into the courthouse.
THE COURT: No lawyer can stop at two sentences, Mr. [Lawyer-name].
MR. [Lawyer-name]: I'm trying, though.
THE WITNESS [me]: I'll be as brief as I can, and I appreciate the court's indulgence in not limiting me to two.

Thereby proving once again that the best objections are the ones the judge makes for you.

[Beldar]

Yikes -- Judge Real, not Leal. Mea culpa.

[great Unknown]

you made that "mistake" so that you could get in an extra sentence.

[WJack]

Years ago, in trial before a highly respected Judge, witness on the stand:

“Counsel approach the bench” (bench conference). Judge: “this witness has way too much education, return to the trial table.”

Same case, closing argument: Plaintiff’s counsel, “Defendant’s counsel is a hired gun.” Defendant’s counsel, “objection and move to strike.” (bench conference) Defendant’s counsel, “your honor there is no evidence of a weapon in this case” Judge, “members of the Jury disregard the reference to counsel as a hired gun.”

[James K. Polk]

Ironic that this appears just before Professor John Harrison's "Part 5 of Article II Execute Power" tome in the email summary. Just sayin' ...

[Lee Moore]

I always enjoy a good courtroom zinger, but I've never come across anything to match FE Smith.

FE Smith - explains some complicated point of law

Judge : "Thank you for your explanation, Mr Smith, but I'm afraid I'm none the wiser"

FE Smith "No my Lord, but better informed"

[Alan Vanneman]

"For example when he was public speaking, the audience responded, and they didn’t work for him."

Same with Mondale. I saw Reagan give a speech once, starting off with a series of remarkably lame jokes, and the crowd roared. Scalia was more often smug than funny, and telling jokes at the expense of attorneys arguing a case before you is seriously self-indulgent. You know you won't be hearing a come-back.