Here's a handy primer on how to argue before the Supreme Court. Lesson One: Don't mock Scalia, he's very thin-skinned. Lesson Two: Even though Clarence Thomas has not spoken since February 22, 2006, he's still listening. Probably. [Via]
Here's a handy primer on how to argue before the Supreme Court. Lesson One: Don't mock Scalia, he's very thin-skinned. Lesson Two: Even though Clarence Thomas has not spoken since February 22, 2006, he's still listening. Probably. [Via]
I've argued before the State Supreme Court here in Illinois, and the results were instructive. On one case, when the opposition (very well-regarded tony bigname law firm...okay, fuck it, Sidley Austin) argued, one of the justices fell asleep, and another left to take a whiz.
I thought I was screwed, but we won. The guy who nodded off wrote the opinion.
When I sat in on a Supreme Court session a couple years ago, Clarence Thomas was dozing off like a high-school student in civics class. I suppose he feels his apotheosis was accusing Anita Hill of placing a pubic hair on his Coke can, and need say no more before he shuffles off this mortal coil.
This was interesting and all, but any credibility these "experts" have was thrown out the window at "National Association of Attorney Generals" [SIC!].
"May I just note, Ruth, what a lovely doily you're wearing."
Cases are largely over by the time they come to oral argument (great clerks are just as important as great justices) but nonetheless they are terrific show! Thomas doesn't believe in them but thank goodness most of the Justices do. I recommend reading them in lieu of doing the NYT Sunday Crossword.