Law Humor

By Judge Jerry Buchmeyer

From James R. Sutterfield of New Orleans (Hoffman, Sutterfield, etc.), this excerpt from the deposition of the plaintiff in a maritime personal injury case. Jim sets the stage by explaining: "We have all counseled our clients to tell the truth; we all know that criminal convictions are much more damaging when they are lied about first; and we have all been mistaken in what we thought we were told. All of these came together, to the chagrin of the plaintiff's counsel, who should remain nameless."

Q. When you were at Rouse's, did you ever injure yourself?

A. No, sir. [pause] I forgot to tell about the armed robbery.

Q. Where were you arrested for armed robbery?

A. I wasn't arrested for it. I done it before. I wasn't arrested.

Plaintiff's Attorney: You weren't arrested?

A. No.

Def. Attorney: Were you ever convicted of armed robbery?

A. No.

Full post as published by Say What! on July 10, 2009 (boomark / email).