The Law: Sitting on Principle

"All rise," said the clerk, calling for the traditional gesture of deference to a judge. But the defendant, Steven Stalonas, stayed put. He handed the judge a two-page letter explaining that "My intent is not to act contemptuously toward you. We are equals, you and I, created of one overriding intelligence that dictated our differences as well as ordained our common humanity. If it is to the institution of the court that you bid me rise, then I say that I cherish courts of justice in so far as they serve important human needs. I cannot cherish them in and of themselves."

Intrigued, Washington Superior Court Judge Harry Alexander spent 40 minutes discussing the issue with Stalonas, a 32-year-old Quaker who was on trial for illegally staying inside the Capitol after closing hours as part of an antiwar protest.

Finally Alexander returned to his chambers to ponder the matter. When he returned a few minutes later, his clerk intoned: "Everyone remain seated and come to order." His point made, Stalonas then cooperated during the rest of the trial, was convicted and is now awaiting sentence.

Last week, with the Stalonas case disposed of, the court clerk resumed his cry: "All rise."