Bob loaned me some gear, and off we journeyed to a beautiful stream. Sitting on the bank, I asked him how to know when the morning bite would begin, and where the bigger fish would be, plus many other questions. What does that mean, I wondered. So I sat on the bank and watched and listened. The river did tell me everything I needed to know.
Every judge has tendencies.
Some judges lean back in their chair when they have heard enough of your argument, or have made up their mind. Other judges can t hide a hint of a smile or frown as they listen to your presentation. One local judge simply quits taking notes. Perceptive practitioners know that whomever is speaking when he puts his pen down will probably lose. Another local jurist takes notes on your closing argument if she is still up in the air about the result.