Q & A WITH JUDGE BISE
March 1, 2012 § Leave a comment
Chancellor Carter Bise serves the 8th Chancery Court District (Hancock, Harrison and Stone Counties). Here is the Q&A that he shared with 12CCDM:
Q: Tell us some of your personal preferences that lawyers from outside your district need to know before they come before you.
A: In this district, we have what is referred to as “Motion Day” but there is no court reporter. Out of district attorneys need to check when setting a motion to make sure that if they want a record, that they set the matter when I have a regular docket.
Be familiar with the filing system and make sure that I have either the file or copies of the pertinent documents that I need for the case.
Q: What are the three attributes that you would consider to set the good lawyers apart from the bad ones?
A: Preparation; professionalism; courtesy.
Q: What is the main thing lawyers should know to avoid doing in your court room during a trial?
A: Histrionics. I try to maintain my courtroom as being purely professional. There is no jury to impress. Emotions are generally heightened for the parties/witnesses without any drama being added to the mix.
Q: What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
A: Uncontested adoptions; research.
Q: What part of your job do you enjoy the least?
A: Ex parte Rule 65 matters.
Q: What is your pet peeve as a judge?
A: When I ask for proposed findings and conclusions, and the attorney(s) do a poor job of providing such.
Q: Tell us a funny story about something that happened in your court room.
A: My first day on the bench, I needed assistance from a deputy clerk. I didn’t notice that there were two call buttons. I hit the one button of which I was aware, and within a few seconds, there were armed deputies at my doors.
Q: Cell phone ringing during a trial: death penalty, stern look, dismay, or no reaction?
A: I ask my bailiff to take the phone for safe-keeping.
Q: Lawyer tells you, “That’s not how we do it back in ________ County.” Discuss.
A: Occasionally I will ask how they do do that in Hazard County. It doesn’t offend me, as that is that articular attorney’s comfort zone. I can always learn.
Q: Share your innermost thoughts and feelings about MRCP 81.
A: Obviously, I don’t know anything about MRCP 81.
Q: Tell us your favorite quote.
A: I have ties:
— Favorite scriptural quotes: Isaiah 10.1: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to those who issue oppressive decrees . . ..”
— And Micah 6:8: “What does the Lord require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”
— Proverbs 21:9 (also found at 25:24): “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” (My wife tells me that was obviously not written by any of Solomon’s partners, and that we should hear what they have to say.)
Q: Tell us your favorite court room movie.
A: Anatomy of a Murder.
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