via The Daily What

I stumbled onto a new website called Overheardincourt.com today. It is comedic gold for any lawyer or law student. Just a few favorites:

The Judge: Have you got a lawyer?
Defendant: No, sir.
The Judge: Do you want a lawyer to defend you?
Defendant: Not really, sir.
The Judge: Well, what do you propose to do about the criminal case against you?
Defendant: Well, as far as I’m concerned, I’m willing to drop the case entirely.
“Let’s Just All Move Along”

Judge: In accordance with the jury’s verdict, I sentence you to 3,756 years.
Defendant: Judge, how can I possibly do that much time?
Judge: Just do the best you can.
“How Can I Possibly”

(Witness being questioned)
Q: So you thought that it would be better to stay away, right?
Objection your honor! Leading.
Judge: Overruled.
Atty: So does that mean I can go on?
“No Courtroom Language Please!”

I recently took a class on National Security Law. A very important point made in the class was the importance of clarity. Euphemisms muddy the waters and make your intent less clear. The rule holds true in legal writing, oral advocacy, and general conversation. The more clear and direct you are, the more responsive people will be to what you say. This great piece of advise is illustrated in the video below:

Via XKCD

...he's the hero that the Playground deserves, but not the one it needs right now...and so we won't play with him...because he can take it...because he's not a hero...he's a silent guardian, a watchful protector...a Park Knight...

Via Digg