[Iwo Jima]

Yes, federal courts are expensive. Needlessly so. I avoid them if I can.

But over $80,000??? To me that is just as objectionable as the plaintiff's excessive claims. I mean, did they actually think that they were defending a $57 million suit?

[Shryke]

From the Washington Post:

Bartnoff ordered Pearson to pay the Chungs' court costs -- likely to be a few thousand dollars -- to cover fees for filings, transcripts and similar expenses. But even bigger troubles loom. She said she will consider making Pearson also pay the couple's attorneys' fees arising from the two-year legal battle. With the legal costs likely to exceed $100,000, however, the Chungs aren't counting on Pearson being able to pay, Manning said.

The judge is also going to lose his job.

[muawiyah]

Look, we nailed Jerry Falwell for a few mil once (paid standard rate on checks with names ~ a terrible no-no ~ you must pay First-Class Mail rates on such items). He went to court.

Cost him a bundle.

Judge didn't understand the law so he let Jer slide ~ didn't have to pay the mil. On the other hand when Jer's lawyers asked for reimbursement for their fees the Judge let us slide.

As I recall the number was in 6 figures.

There weren't all that many lawyers involved in the case, and no one spent much time researching the law ~ it's pretty clear and no one had ever "won". Lot of it had to do with court costs. In the end, it gave Jer one "free" mailing and he didn't do that again.

Sometime after that case the federal courts first began allowing folks to submit data and published evidence on CDs, so I know Jer didn't get off easy. Imagine how much "evidence" there is in a mailing ~ it's huge.

Still, there's a vast industry located in downtown DC near the courts dedicated to PRINTING evidence that will be filed in federal court cases. They employ thousands of people and generate most of the large 18 wheel traffic in the vicinity of J street.

The courts need to be brought up to date and reduced in size. They also need more parking. Judges should be given no more space than the average federal employee (about 150 sq.ft. counting aisles and hallways).

Give 'em a few bucks payraise and they'll go for it ~ or maybe just give their kids scholarships for college. You can ask Scalia about that problem.

Lawyers are certainly part of the problem, but so are the court and associated costs. Chung's lawyers' claims are just the tip of the iceberg.

[MIT-Elephant]

“I mean, did they actually think that they were defending a $57 million suit?”

Not a suit. Pants.