Several weeks ago, a very dear friend-a legal professional-was appointed to the bench in a small, rural, Wyoming community. This week, he presided over his first case-a trial involving a dog.

Upon returning home, he was greeted with a congratulatory hug from his wife. She also wore a sheepish grin on her face.

"What's got you so tickled today" he inquired?

She put a hand on his shoulder. "Do you realize that by presiding over your case today you surpassed Elena Kagan in the number of trial cases heard?

If this weren't a sad fact of truth, it might actually be funny.