Funny story on law.com this morning about the attorney who did not notice that his spellcheck changed "sua sponte" to "sea sponge" each of five times he used the phrase in his brief. Some examples:
"An appropriate instruction limiting the judge’s criminal liability in such a prosecution must be given sea sponge explaining that certain acts or omissions by themselves are not sufficient to support a conviction."
"It is well settled that a trial court must instruct sea sponge on any defense, including a mistake of fact defense."
2 responses to “Spellcheck Run Amuck: “Sua Sponte” Became “Sea Sponge” Throughout Lawyer’s Brief”
SPONGE BOB WILL PLEASE ADDRESS THE COURT…
This story makes me want a Crabby Patty….
When I was a judicial clerk, I saw things like this periodically in briefs. I thought it reflected an inexcusable failure to proofread.
But as I have gotten older, I have developed more empathy for lawyers who do this. And I have very nearly done it myself.