Say Anything Blog

TACOMA, Wash.—A federal judge in Tacoma has told a lawyer he needs to make it snappy.

Judge Ronald Leighton balked at a 465-page lawsuit that made its way onto his desk. He invoked a rarely used rule that requires a “short and plain statement” of allegations.

The title of the racketeering lawsuit filed by attorney Dean Browning Webb was eight pages long.

The judge issued his order in a limerick:

“Plaintiff has a great deal to say,

But it seems he skipped Rule 8(a).

His Complaint is too long,

Which renders it wrong,

Please rewrite and refile today.”

What wasn’t mentioned was ...  we’re talking 465 pages, with an 8-page title.
Good for you Judge Leighton, I certainly don’t blame ya