[leadpenny]

It they were confused, they should have asked the Judge for clarification.

That was my first thought when I heard this.

[snopercod]

I was involved in a civil misdemeanor case last year - judge only, no jury - and the defense attorney purposely got the thing scheduled just before quitting time.

He knew the habits of the judge, and knew the judge wouldn't miss his supper in order to hear the entire case.

A hearing in chambers was hastilly called at 4:30PM, and when the judge came back, a "not guilty" verdict was rendered without hearing any witnesses at all.