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A Welcome Judge
By Wang Qun

This writer go to New Jersey courts of different counties for translation. I find judges share some comment characteristics, like high self-esteem, prudent in the choice of words and seriousness in demeanor. But these are not necessary for judge Paterson of Bergen County Superior Court.

A chain smoker inside his chamber (did I say it is in the building?), his character is on the light side. He mainly takes civil cases, often involving thousands of and some times millions of dollars in penalty or rewards.

During one trail when the court was in a short recess, judge Paterson did not withdraw into his chamber but instead remained in his seat. As lawyers from one side were preparing additional pieces of evidence while lawyers from the other side were weighing a motion to bar these, the air was heavy inside the court room. Probably judge Paterson felt at that time that he should adjust the atmosphere a little bit.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” asked the judge, “who can tell me what animals a newly married woman would like in her house and where?”
“A dog at the door.” Tried one attorney.
“That’s a good one,” commented the judge. “What do you say to a cat in the kitchen? And what about a jaguar in the garage?”
“Congratulations, judge.” As people were saying this, the judge was looking at them, smiling, obviously was waiting the most decisive one.
No responses.
Than the judge said: “ A tiger in her bed.”

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