Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Federal Circuit

Recently I had the chance to go to Washington D.C. to watch oral arguments on a few ongoing patents cases.  This was an awesome experience.  First of all, it is always fun to get to take a little trip.  D.C. proper is a 40 minute train ride, followed by a few quick metro stops, for a total travel cost of about $10.  Therefore, it isn't really that big of a deal to get down there from time to time, but of course it just usually seems to get preempted by something easier and cheaper in Baltimore.

Either way, it was really great to get a chance to see an oral argument in person.  Sure, it is possible to watch quite a few oral arguments on the internet, but something can be said for being there in person.  It is much easier to get swept up in the excitement, and in a very good way.  And of course something can be said for the "atmosphere."

What wasn't so nice was dealing with some of my fellow spectators.  The security was very pleasant, sending us through without much hassle.  Once inside, however, I could not believe how rude some people were.  The "no phones" rule has been bent slightly, and phones are now allowed inside, but must be turned off while court is in session.  Amazingly, several other spectators simply refused to do this.  I have no idea what was so important that they could not miss the call, but could watch an argument.  It seems to me like if something else that important is going on, you can just attend to that and read the transcript later.

Otherwise, watching top notch lawyers go back and forth with sharp judges is a thing of beauty.  It is sort of a cross between chess and a boxing match.  On one hand you want to go in strong, but you also have to always be dodging and looking for counters.  Also, my background knowledge of patents is surely much stronger than the average law students, having taking a patents class and my work with Moot Court, but still a lot of it went straight over my head.

All in all, it was a really good time.  Also, for any fellow law students, or any American who wants to watch our country in action, I would highly recommend going.  Look up the number for the clerk of the court, give them a call, and find out when the next round of arguments are going to be.  Public transit makes most courts easily accessible on a  budget.  Just remember to wear professional dress.

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