The Most Hilarious and Ridiculous Court Cases of All Time
Legal proceedings can be as mundane as they are necessary, but sometimes, a case can go so far as to be both outrageous and funny. Two such examples take us back to the 1980s and the early 2000s, when each plaintiff tried to sue beyond reason. Let's explore these laughable tales and the judges who managed to keep the courtroom in check.
1980s: An Unbelievable Severance Claims Case
In 1981, during a time when many businesses started hiring contractors, my wife and I decided to bring aboard a private contractor to help with our operations. Unfortunately, the contractor failed to show up on the first day of work, a no-call, no-show incident that disrupted our schedule. Out of necessity, we had to take on his designated tasks until he could find another alternative.
Deciding it was best to move forward, we informed the contractor that he was fired. This decision led to a rather dramatic scene in our front yard where the contractor and his wife confronted us, screaming, and making death threats. To cap it off, the contractor flicked a lit cigarette towards my wife, while holding our 2-year-old child, and stormed off.
It all led to a lawsuit with a ridiculous claim for two weeks' severance pay. Attempting to dismiss the case, the judge initially allowed the contractor's lawyer to present the case over the phone. However, when the judge heard our side of the story, the case was immediately dismissed, but not before taxing the defense costs to the plaintiff.
This story might not be so much about finding humor as it is marveling at how outlandish a lawsuit can get. The whole situation was so pointless and absurd that it can only be described as outlandish rather than funny.
2000s: A Credit Card Nightmare
Fast forward to 2001, where the stakes were higher and the legal proceedings more devious. I was issued a credit card by Washington Mutual Bank, and, incredibly, it was used in a fraudulent manner. Years later, in 2018, I was dragged into a court in Miami by a slimy lawyer. The lawyer, allowed to speak over the telephone, accused me of the fraud and demanded to garnish my wages in an unprecedented amount of $900 per month. The ask was so much higher than anything I could afford, calling into question the legitimacy of the claim.
During the case, I had the opportunity to question the lawyer about any proof of my involvement. I managed to ask if the lawyer had any receipts where I signed for the merchandise, and if he had a form I filled out requesting the credit card. The lawyer admitted that he had no such evidence. Despite this, the judge ordered that my wages be garnished for another 30 days while making a decision. It was only after this additional time, and due to my persistent questioning, that the judge ruled in my favor, making the slimy lawyer and the court monopoly responsible for his greed.
From the absurd assertion of a severance claim for a non-existent employee to the baseless accusation of a large credit card fraud, both of these cases are prime examples of why the legal system often faces ridicule. While some might find humor in these situations, one cannot ignore the adverse impact they have on individuals and businesses caught in the crossfire of mediocre legal pranks.
If you have experienced any similarly humorous or ridiculous court cases, we'd love to hear your story. Share them with us in the comments below for a delve into legal absurdity and the absurdity of legal proceedings.