But a polite, gentle, smiling response is so disarming. It is difficult for a judge to be too violent with a peaceful person in front of him. If we show no anger in return, none, the way is often easily cleared. In fact, a little good humor, nothing smart, will often work wonders. The lawyer who fights with the court is going to lose in this power struggle. Nothing is more intimidating to a judge than a lawyer who contests the judge’s power, and the judge will come down with all of his power to keep it.
