Law Humor

By Judge Jerry Buchmeyer

From District Judge Robert P. Brotherton of Wichita Falls (30th District Court), this rather contentious "debate" during a deposition in a suit involving several defendants. Judge Brotherton adds: "In true Jack Webb fashion, the names have been changed to protect the innocent."

Q. Since you don't know the content of your own agreement with them about whether you indemnify or not, ... do you know any reason why you should not have them in this lawsuit?

DEPONENT'S ATTORNEY ("Mr. Jones"): Don't answer that. That's not a question. Is there any reason why they should be in this lawsuit?

QUESTIONING ATTORNEY ("Mr. Smith"): Sure it's a question.

Mr. Jones: Hell, you sued the Pope one time. You sue anybody.
Mr. Smith: That's not - sidebar. I collected over $2 million worth, too. So, counsel ... did you ever do that?

Mr. Jones: Yeah, I have.

Mr. Smith: Good for you.

THIRD ATTORNEY ("Mr. White"): I'm going to object to both counsel. Proceed, please.

Mr. Smith: I agree and withdraw those statements.

Mr. Jones: Why? You don't want the jury to know you sued the Pope?

Mr. Smith: I didn't sue the Pope. In the first place, that's a lie. I didn't sue the Pope and I resent you saying that we sued the Pope.

Mr. Jones: Well, that's what the word on the street is, you sued the Pope. That's all I know.

Mr. Smith: Well, the word on the street is not always true, you know.

Full post as published by Say What! on July 22, 2009 (boomark / email).