NationStates Jolt Archive

Judge orders lawyers to play game
Acrimonious attorneys told to settle dispute by playing a round of 'rock, paper, scissors.'
By Roger Parloff, FORTUNE senior writer
June 7, 2006: 1:06 PM EDT


NEW YORK (FORTUNE) - Faced with the inability of two bickering attorneys to resolve even the most innocuous scheduling questions without his intervention, a Florida federal judge yesterday ordered the two to meet on the steps of the federal courthouse and resolve their latest quarrel by playing "one (1) game of 'rock, paper, scissors.' " (Read the ruling.)

Judge Gregory A. Presnell of Orlando ordered the unusual measure, which he characterized as "a new form of alternative dispute resolution," after the two Tampa attorneys had proven unable to agree upon where to hold a deposition, even though both of their offices are just four floors away in the very same building in Tampa.
CNN (http://money.cnn.com/2006/06/07/magazines/fortune/rps_fortune/)

If only all disputes could be solved through such simple means.... :D

If only all disputes could be solved through such simple means.... :D

They could be, we choose not to use the sensible idea.

I like that judge.

What next? Eenie-meenie-minie-mo for jury selection?

Damn activist judge! Get him off the bench! We can't have such outside thinking! :D

Judges are great when they give a ruling that's the equivilent of telling both parties that they're fucking retarded.

What next? Eenie-meenie-minie-mo for jury selection?

Aww, that would be AWESOME!!!

I've been solving issues this way for years, although one game is never satisfying, so I usually play best out of three. Glad to see the justice system is catching.

American Justice at its finest

What next? Eenie-meenie-minie-mo for jury selection?

Jury selection? No... how about the primary election!

Pure genius
the Legal system has now been replaced!

Do you think that's how Bush got to the White House?

Do you think that's how Bush got to the White House?

Yay! Let's bash Bush! We never do that here! :rolleyes:

I like it when they keep things simple. Rock-paper-scissors... who knew?

Rock paper scissors is too controversial! Toss a Coin!

CNN (http://money.cnn.com/2006/06/07/magazines/fortune/rps_fortune/)

If only all disputes could be solved through such simple means.... :D
Surely it can? Doesn't the American legal system use citation of precedence?

Rock paper scissors is too controversial! Toss a Coin!
I second that. Some people decide a split-second late so that they see their opponent's pick beforehand.

If only all disputes could be solved through such simple means.... :D
They are in Japan. EVERYTHING is decided on a game of jan ken pon.

it's not that much of a precedent.

Early last year, Southebys and Christies auction houses played a game of 'paper, rock, scissors' to decide who would gain the rights to sell a $20 million art collection

http://www.stateart.com.au/sota/news/default.asp?fid=3420

They are in Japan. EVERYTHING is decided on a game of jan ken pon.
Bingo! The article I linked says the owner of the art collection was Japanese.
So even $20 mill isn't enough for them to take seriously. Which is pretty cool.

In light of this decision, the US Congress has introduced a new style of deciding court cases:

http://www.startrek.com/imageuploads/200306/tos-034-spock-and-kirk-battle/320x240.jpg

Quatloos will be provided by the Judge for the Jury.