Most Draw a Blank

Two-thirds of American adults can't name a single member of the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Sandra Day O'Connor was the justice most frequently identified (25 percent), followed by Clarence Thomas (21 percent.) A mere 4 percent of Americans could name David Souter. The survey results were published by the FINDLAW Web site.

Think We Have it Bad?

Alabama voters earlier this fall rejected a major tax increase proposed to offset sagging revenues, resulting in an 18 percent budget cut, which included major layoffs for the court system and prisons. Among those to be laid off was former Alabama Governor John Patterson, who worked as an attorney in the appellate court. Also, 5,000 non-violent inmates will be released as another cost-cutting measure.

Judge's Sound Effects

The Florida Supreme Court has reprimanded a lower court judge for his display of scorn for an attorney's argument. Judge Sheldon Schapiro, who has repeatedly made remarks considered inappropriate and insensitive, was cited for 13 violations of judicial rules. Among his violations:

• refusing to delay a case when a prosecutor was hospitalized due to pregnancy complications. The attorney left the hospital against doctor's orders to complete the trial;
• telling a female attorney she needed to emulate male attorneys because they didn't get as emotional about their cases;
• asking an attorney, "Do you know what I think of your argument?" and then activating a device that made the sound of a toilet flushing.

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