Law and Disorder: Absurdly Funny Moments from the Courts

Law and Disorder: Absurdly Funny Moments from the Courts

More hilarious, unbelievable-but-true stories from our nation’s courts, from the author of Disorder in the Court and Disorderly Conduct . Charles M. Sevilla finds comic gems in court transcripts―and now brings readers a delightful, all-new collection. Starting with a chapter on the defendants (one of whom, when asked his marital status, replies after a long pause, "Adequate") and following with sections on lawyers, experts, witnesses, evidence, and even one called "Malaprops" (DA: The status of the boat has no relevance to this case at all. This is a total fishing expedition). Stories from Sevilla's previous books have become viral Internet sensations, priming readers for more legal disorder, such as: Clerk: Do you solemnly swear that the testimony you are about to given in the cause now pending before this court shall be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God? Witness: Yes, I swear. I’ll say anything but the truth, nothing but the truth. 14 illustrations Here’s Sevilla’s third collection of funnies (Disorderly Conduct, 1989; Disorder in the Court, 1993) from U.S. courts, supplied by contributors, named and anonymous, from around the U.S. In 10 chapters, with such titles as “The Defendants,” “The Lawyers,” and “The Jurors,” odd and humorous excerpts from court proceedings, sometimes in Q&A format, are presented. Bad language, misunderstandings, and malapropisms abound, and sometimes the judges themselves let loose with fed-up lectures, comments, and last-word asides. The accused, for the most part, come up with the most comments, both unexpected and profane. Although some anecdotes may ring bigger bells for those in the legal field, others are easy to laugh at, even while noting that they’re about probable serious offenders and others in nerve-racking spots (e.g., a forensic psychologist is asked his current position. Answer? “Sitting”). Sevilla opens each chapter with quotes from luminaries, ranging from Rodney Dangerfield to Charles Dickens to Albert Einstein, that provide food for thought amid the chuckles. Funny and eye-opening. --Eloise Kinney Perennially on the “Best Lawyers in America” list, Charles M. Sevilla has a private law practice in San Diego. He is the author of Wilkes on Trial and Wilkes: His Life and Crimes and a columnist for Forum .