At least the dog didn't eat her homework

In a tentative ruling filed late last month, the law-and-motion judge postponed a hearing on four defense motions in the same case, explaining that she needed “a lot more time” to get ready.

Three weeks later, when Zuniga again had to postpone a hearing on the case, she offered a more detailed — and entertaining — explanation:

1. COURT APOLOGIZES TO COUNSEL.
2. COURT NEEDS TO PUT THIS OVER ONE MORE TIME.
3. COURT JUST RETURNED FROM A CONFERENCE IN PHILADELPHIA. HOWEVER, LUGGAGE WITH MOTION PAPERS AND COURT’S NOTES STAYED IN PHILADELPHIA.
4. LUGGAGE WAS DELIVERED TOO LATE FOR COURT TO COMPLETE TENTATIVE.
5. MOTION CONTINUED TO NOVEMBER 21, 2007.

An insurance defense lawyer said he burst out laughing when he spotted Zuniga’s tentative ruling while looking for information about a different case. At the same time, “you can’t help but feel a little sympathy,” he said.