with their thick rims gave
him a scholastic air. All that was needed to complete the image of
absent minded professor was a pipe. He had diligently searched the
literature for precedents which he presented to the judge in a mild but
measured tone. A reasonable man, he projected this image to the court
and made a fine presentation. No sparkle, just facts and precedents
clearly presented.

When the judge turned his attention to the respondent, Simon Murrain
stood to address the court looking more like a walking advertisement
for expensive men's wear than an attorney. Simon oozed charm with all
the proficiency of a hangman leading the way to the gallows. Close to
Al in age, Simon was of a different bent. His argument was presented
with show and words--it worked well with juries who tended to watch him
instead of what he said. Today, there was no jury present, but his
modus operandi didn't change.

"Your honor," he commenced. "The plaintiff was given a fair hearing
under the rules of Belmont University. She was given due process.
Despite the fact that she forged many evaluation forms causing untold
harm to two young faculty persons, the university made every effort to
treat her with fairness and consideration." He continued for some time
in the same vein, constantly and consistently referring to the
plaintiff as a forger--a criminal.

Gleefully, Murrain reflected, in court, we attorneys can say anything,
or most anything, we want to. We do not have to operate under the
constraints imposed on the rest of the populace and preface a charge
with the word alleged. Truth is not required of us either, although
most judges attempt to keep the elocution within the bounds of
propriety.

Another check in the system is the presence of the opposing attorney
who is supposed to function to limit any freewheeling antics of his
colleague by appealing to the judge.

But Al did not object to Simon's presentation. He felt confident that
the judge would rule on the law, not on the performance. Besides, he
rather enjoyed watching and listening to Simon's kind of theater.

Following the hearing, the wait began. How would the judge decide?
When would the judge decide?

Even though the hearing committee at Belmont had made its report and
recommendation to terminate, the actual termination letter had not yet
been sent. From the time she was accused, Diana had found life at work
to be difficult. As a plaintiff, in a lawsui