A judge’s unscheduled weekend work signals an imminent adverse ruling

Evidence

The clerk said he would convey this message to the judge. He would also call Keating and ask him if he, too, wanted the judge involved in a settlement discussion. The clerk added that Judge Skinner had come into his office yesterday, on Sunday—a rare event—to work on his ruling. — , Harr Jonathan - A Civil Action, 2824

Categorization

• SHARE: A tidbit for anyone who litigates: a defendant’s counsel being told the judge worked Sunday is a tell that the ruling matters and won’t help you.
• XREF: Connects to the general litigation principle that a court’s diligence after taking a matter under advisement usually signals a substantive decision rather than a snap denial.