“All rise,” yelled the court clerk, as the Honorable Judge Andrew Goodheart took his seat. He was a tall, slender gentleman with gray hair that was slightly balding. He had a reputation as one of the more liberal Justices to hold the seat.
“Good morning, Mr. Patterson. How are you doing today?” said the Judge, as he took his seat in preparation of beginning the business of the day. In a sincere voice, I replied, “Well, your Honor, I’m doing okay despite the circumstances. Thank you for asking, sir.” What else was I to say, should I have just blurted out… “Well, your Honor, if you must know, this is the worst day of my life. I didn’t sleep a wink last night and I feel like hurling all over your magnificent marble floor”.