uh, your honor can someone please object? i watch a lot of talk shows and especially court tv because it's easy for me to understand and helps me practice my german. i've noticed that in court proceedings the primary objective is not only to badger the witness but for everyone to pile on and take part in the justice being meted out. this includes all other witnesses, both lawyers, the judge and even random people in the audience. i guess the goal is to triumph over the will of the witness, force them to beg the sweet mercy of the court. most rulings are severe but fair - pay a $15 fine, return the other person's bike lock, and promise never to do it again.