Pearson v. Custom Cleaners - Day One Wrap

Emil Steiner, a blogger at washingtonpost.com, presents a real-time blog of the case and his wit and intelligence shine through each dispatch. I create this synopsis based on his writings.

It takes all parties involved over forty minutes to agree whether the case is about trousers or signs. Eventually they agree that this claim is about the sign; but, Pearson wants to present evidence about the trousers. In fact, he has added so many complicated motions that it it seems a guarantee that he will discuss his trousers at length throughout the hearing. Eventually, the judge refers to his eloquence as excruciating.

Pearson's circus continues with witnesses: others who have been dissatisfied with the service at the dry cleaner (including one who spoke in a mock "asian" accent), his son who testifies that daddy is opposed to litigation (in stark contrast to reality), a nattily attired salesman from Nordstrom's, and a subordinate who was distressed that his mentor was unable to pay much attention to his work because he has had to spend so many hours on this case.

Then Pearson took the stand and got emotional, had to ask for a recess, and when he tried to pull the break-down-and-cry maneuver again, the judge explained that he was doing just fine and could continue.

In this courtroom sketch, Judge Roy Pearson, left, who is suing Jin Nam Chung, seated at center right, and his wife Ki, seated 2nd right, for $54 million for what he calls "misleading signage" at their dry cleaning business, speaks at DC Superior Court in Washington, D.C. Tuesday, June 12, 2007. (Courtroom sketch by AP Photo/Dana Verkouteren - reprinted without permission.)

Wednesday will see the defense attorney cross-examine Pearson. I sure wish I could see it live!

Steiner generously recaps by saying that "Pearson is a fastidious litigator, and Judith Bartnoff is a patient judge."

The latter is patently obvious, the former is far more generous than Pearson deserves.

Follow all the action at Steiner's blog OFF/beat.

And stay tuned for all the action!

Also see, New York Times coverage: Judge Tries Suing Pants Off Dry Cleaners

Also see AP article at Boston Globe: Judge suing dry cleaner cries over pants



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