"Rock, Paper, Scissors, Your Honour"

We all know that opposing counsel don't always get along so well, but still, I'm not too sure about one Atlanta judge's solution.

This ridiculous report came from Law.com:

Taking a page from a Florida judge's playbook, an Atlanta federal judge told squabbling lawyers they might need to resolve future petty differences with a game of "Rock, Paper, Scissors."

... Attorney Lisa D. Wright sought a protective order on behalf of plaintiff Kelly Holmes, claiming that defense lawyer Louis R. Cohan had previously deposed one of her other clients "in an abusive, annoying, harassing and oppressive manner."

As a result, Wright asked Shoob to order that Holmes' deposition be held either at her office, a court reporter's office or federal court.

Cohan objected and sought his own protective order to bar plaintiff's counsel from taking depositions from the defense anywhere other than his own law office or the offices of his client, Trauner, Cohen & Thomas.

Shoob denied both motions, and named "Rock, Paper, Scissors" as the future means by which counsel should resolve their differences. "The parties," Shoob ordered, "shall each bear their own costs of bringing these silly motions."

Rock, paper, scissors, indeed! What happens if someone cheats...?

- Garry J. Wise, Toronto

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