had the privilege of listening to two rather brilliant insights in court today. here they are, copied down word for word and reproduced faithfully (i took notes. good court practice.) for your benefit :

first one, directed at the accused (by then, convicted) by the judge :

"you have only one life. one youth. once you pass the age of 35, 30 even, the process of aging sets in. you will never be vibrant again."

second one, directed at another accused (again, by that time, convicted) by the same judge. this was informed by the learned defense counsel (and i use that term in the broadest sense imaginable) pointing out in mitigation that the accused's girlfriend was pregnant, and that they were expecting a baby boy in october :

"i can assure you that, upon your release, life will be worse than ever before. i guarantee you this. this is because you will be a father. the only assurance you can have is, that upon your release, things will be worse. do you see the big picture?"

my two observations, in response.

1. the judge has an incredibly soporific voice

2. zoning out in court, as a result of said soporific voice, instead of tendering the relevant documents, is a practice to be avoided

have a good weekend.