Asleep at the Bench

[Hannibal]

Ok, now this is funny. I dont agree with Justice Ginsberg on anything but you have to kinda feel for here. Most legal arguments are like nyquil for me anyway

YOUR GOVERNMENT AT WORK
Snorer in the court? Ruth Bader Ginsburg snoozes
Justice dozes off during political redistricting hearing, colleagues let her sleep

Was it a case of dreaming of a better America, napping on the job, or just being asleep at the switch?

Serving on the highest court in the land is apparently a tiring affair for at least one Supreme Court justice who caught 40 winks on the bench, literally.

According to the Associated Press, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg snoozed during oral arguments today over political redistricting in Texas.

"The subject matter was extremely technical," notes AP writer Gina Holland, "and near the end of the argument Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg dozed in her chair."


Actual artist rendition of Supreme Court Justice Ginsburg asleep during hearing

During a report by Megyn Kendall of Fox News, an artist's sketch of the hearing was aired with Ginsburg's head using the bench as a pillow.

There was no word if there was any audible snoring echoing through the esteemed chamber, but the sleep session was noticed by Bader's colleagues who made a snap judgment to let their associate continue her slumber.

"Justices David Souter and Samuel Alito, who flank the 72-year-old, looked at her but did not give her a nudge," writes Holland.

The incident caught the attention of Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank, who writes:

"At first, she appeared to be reading something in her lap. But after a while, it became clear: Ginsburg was napping on the bench. By Bloomberg News's reckoning -- not denied by a court spokeswoman -- Ginsburg's snooze lasted a quarter of an hour.

"It's lucky for Ginsburg that the Supreme Court has so far refused to allow television in the courtroom, for her visit to the land of nod would have found its way onto late-night shows."

[hughesjw]

This may be the only rational response to the prospect of listening to lawyers ramble on for housrs. I'm amazed more judges don't snooze the day away.

[Snowden]

The trick is to learn to nap in an upright position. You put an elbow on the arm of your chair, if it has an arm, and rest your head on your hand. Then if your eyes close, you can always say it was to avoid the distractions of anyone in the courtroom moving.

She blew it.