The analogy to tennis is not farfetched. One side, the plaintiff
via her attorney, Al Garret, serves. A volley of paper ensues
from both sides directed at each other, but under the supervision
and rule of the official, a judge.
Where the analogy loses ground is that very little action occurs
in the court. Sure, the plaintiff and respondent and the lawyers must
show up for hearings, but most everything goes on in the judges' chambers.
Simon Murrain had a great deal of practice in delaying tactics.
Over the last four years, seven people had brought suit against Belmont
for sex discrimination. All seven had been forced to withdraw
as their cases dragged on and on and their resources dwindled.
Simon's initial move this time was to have the case go to a higher court,
in this instance the United States District Court.
This move placed two additional burdens on the plaintiff and her attorney.
First, the cost of the proceedings was greater than at the district level
and second, the travel distance to attend hearings increased fifty-fold.
An advantage was also inadvertently given. The judge who was appointed
to sit at this session was known for his fairness and knowledge of the law.
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