New York Judge Uses Decision to Chastise Attorneys on Improper Stapling Motion for “Negligent Stapling”

New York Supreme Court Judge Charles Markey takes stapling very seriously. He took counsel to task for not just injurious stapling but failing to sign pleading, which were apparently signed in blood by the clerks.

The judge observed that two clerks cut themselves on a staple on the filing and mentioned the failing as part of the dismissal of a motion: “The poor stapling of the papers was so negligent as to inflict, and did inflict repeatedly, physical injury to the court personnel handling them. Such negligence on the part of counsel shows a lack of consideration.” Of course, poor judging is even worse for the legal profession.

The judge’s concern about the clerks is commendable. Markey, however, has issued a public defense in a letter to the editor and denied a fastener fetish, here.

Markey lists the following as his background:

* Judge, Civil Court – Queens, 2/02-present
* Judge, Criminal Court – Queens, 1/01-2/02
* Counsel, Board of Education Retirement System, 1995-2000
* NY Telephone Co./NYNEX – 1968-1994

For the story, click here.