While we are operating under a Shelter-in-Place Order, some of us are deemed essential and are still carrying on. Below is a cut and paste job of Mississippi’s listing of “Essential” businesses and personnel.
A Kansas man filed for Court permission from an Iowa judge to duel his ex-wife (or her attorney) via sword-fight to resolve their ongoing custody dispute.
David Ostrom, 40, of Paola, Kansas, alleged that his former wife, Bridgette Ostrom, 38, of Harlan, Iowa, and her attorney, Matthew Hudson, had “destroyed (him) legally”. Id.
Ostrom argued that the Court had the authority to “resolve our disputes on the field of battle, legally,” noting in his pleading that trial by combat “has never been explicitly banned or restricted as a right in these United States”. Id.
Ostrom requested sufficient time so he could secure Japanese samurai swords.
Ostrom explained his pleading thusly, “I think I’ve met Mr Hudson’s absurdity with my own absurdity.”
Judge Craig Dreismeier responded that a decision would take some time, citing irregularities with both sides’ motions and responses.
“Until the proper procedural steps to initiate a court proceeding are followed, this court will take no further action concerning any motion, objection or petition filed by either party at this time.”
Citing The Guardian.
Matthew Thompson (601)850-8000
The cliche’ is good lawyers know the law and great lawyers know the Judge.
This is not to suggest knowing the Judge results in an unfair advantage or that the fix was in, but rather you know what to focus on in a trial or hearing and how to prepare the case.
But Judges are just a piece of the Courthouse puzzle. There are behind the scenes heroes that all too often do not get recognized. Court clerks, administrators, court reporters, and bailiffs all contribute to creating a place where people can be helped and justice served.
In fact, in a lot of instances these person are on the front lines of justice. Pointing people in the direction they need to go for help or guiding them to the extent allowed, which isn’t much.
These people also see us (lawyers) at our worst. Litigants being out-lawyered, lawyers treating court staff as if they work for them personally and lawyers blaming others when something went wrong.
Through it all, they keep a smile on their face, a song in their heart and that jerk lawyer on their short list…
Matthew Thompson is a Family Law Attorney in Mississippi and is grateful for the court staff and their seeming never-ending patience!
Recently, I was pleasantly surprised to find a very unique new bow tie in my mailbox!
Someone sent me the above bow tie. It is by far the most unique bow tie have. Also, intentionally or not, it was sent anonymously. I could not glean who it was from. The word “KIDS” and the “Scales of Justice” certainly indicate it was intentional and someone who knew me and TLF’s passion for helping families in Mississippi. So, thank you.
BeGreat Bow Ties has a meaningful and moving backstory.
I am grateful for my BeGreat Bow Tie and will wear it proudly.
Thank you!
Matthew Thompson is a Child Custody and Adoption lawyer in Mississippi.
That’s a wrap. By day 6 the vendors and free stuff are packed for the next convention.
The farewell brunch and annual awards are given out and the convention is over by 11:00 a.m.
Most attendees have pulled out by now and are heading home, dreading the Mobile Bay bridge and tunnel.
We reflect on the week of learning new things, meeting new people, catching up with old friends.
And thinking about Monday, back to the real world.
Matthew Thompson is a proud member of the Mississippi Bar Association.
(601)850-8000
Day 5 of the MS Bar Convention brings the specific section meetings, alumni lunches and the family Beach Bash.
Sections meetings, i.e. Family Law section of the MS Bar, are used to elect new officers, report to the members and gain an additional CLE hour or two. This meeting is well attended by family law attorneys and chancellors and is not a stuffy meeting. Other sections have their meeting as well.
Next comes the alumni lunches. The various law schools have there lunch of generic banquet food and talk about how great things are going…never better. We persevere through it.
Friday afternoon brings on the Build-a-Bear Workshop. This is a GREAT benefit of the Bar. Hundreds of children descend to claim their bears, dogs, cats, bunnies and whatever the popular character-of-the-moment is. The animals are complimentary, the accessories are not. Good luck escaping without a suitcase of accessories.
Friday brings on the President’s reception. The newest installed bar president shakes hands and takes pictures with the member. There is music and h’ors doevures, somewhat of a repeat from Wednesday night, but still good and still fun. There’s usually a chocolate fountain that ends in a huge mess of cake pieces, strawberries and a few chocolate covered build-a-bears, accidently!
Friday night culminates in the Beach Bash. Glow necklaces are your admittance ticket for crab hunting, limbo and the coveted hula hoop contest. Prizes for the most, biggest and smallest crab insure everyone has a chance. Limbo includes children and adult categories. And the hula hoop contest rounds out the night. Usually 2-3 heats and 3-4 rounds. This isn’t just standing and hula hooping. It’s on one leg, now hop, squat down, turn around hula hooping.
The night culminates in a booming, echoing show of fireworks that would make any 4th of July jealous. They are shot off of the beach and because of the height of the buildings the sounds resonate. There is no early bed time on Friday night.
Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney in Mississippi and looks forward to Fridays at the Bar Convention. His daughter just might be the three-time reigning hula hoop champion as well.
Day 4 of the MS Bar convention starts with a bevy of competing breakfasts, but culminates in the most serious of games in the Sunshine State, BINGO.
• Christian Legal Society Prayer Breakfast, Fellows of the Young Lawyers, MS Chapter American Board of Trial Advocates Meeting, MS State Alumni all have Breakfasts, to name a few.
There are various judicial conferences throughout the day, but everything is wrapped up by 2:30 for the annual Hunger Games…aka BINGO!
BINGO Thursday is the most competitive event at the Convention, including the golf and tennis tourneys and the crab hunt. Hands down BINGO is the most serious.
Get there early as the large ballroom fills quickly. Dozens of 12-top tables span the room, with a plethora of prizes on the dais up front. Show up 5 minutes late and you will be sitting on the floor or standing against the wall.
Action is quick. The games cover the gamut of bingo card challenges and the prizes – – the prizes include; pottery, yard art, home decor, inflatable rafts, animals and desserts, bird houses, candle sticks, tea towels, kitchenware, small electronic gizmos and large beach towels.
When a player shouts “BINGO!,” audible groans come from the judge’s table. “Double check that card!,” can be heard throughout the building. It was a BINGO!
Matthew Thompson is a family law attorney in Mississippi and has won every year he has attended bingo…May the odds be ever in your favor.
(601) 850-8000 - - BowTieLawyer.MS 