Have you ever seen humor fall flat in a courtroom?
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In this month’s ABA Journal, retired trial lawyer Janet Kole cautions against using humor in the courtroom, citing an example from the trial of Aaron Hernandez, the New England Patriots football star who was convicted of murder in April.
Hernandez’s lawyer, while questioning a state trooper about tire pressure, asked him whether he’d been trained in the use of football deflation devices, ESPN reported at the time. The judge chastised him and told him to take the proceedings seriously. “I would have thought a murder trial was serious enough that he would not have to be reminded,” Kole wrote.
So this week, we’d like to ask you: Have you ever seen humor fall flat in a courtroom? Tell us what happened. All cringeworthy comments are welcome. Alternatively, if you’ve seen humor succeed in the courtroom, share those anecdotes as well.
Answer in the comments.
Read the answer to last week’s question: Do you have a standard ‘work uniform’?
Featured answer:
Posted by Seiko365: “Yes, I do this, particularly when I am traveling and want to minimize what is necessary. I refer to it as Garanimalizing my wardrobe, after the kids’ clothes. I have a stable of black dress pants that I pair with a shell (usually white or black) and a jacket that is something black, gray, flecked etc. that matches. I may not be the most fashionable, but I always fit in and don’t stand out as being unprofessional.”
Do you have an idea for a future question of the week? If so, contact us.
