Maxim-um embarrassment: North Carolina lawyer Todd Paris must now be feeling very silly after being found in contempt for reading Maxim magazine in court while the judge was hearing cases. The following exchange is reported in the local paper, the Salisbury Post, though it rightfully belongs in a Just William book:


'[Judge] Eddinger observed Paris for several minutes. Then he called Paris to come to the bench and bring the magazine. Paris asked to go outside and discard the magazine. Eddinger refused to let him leave and demanded the magazine. Paris told the judge repeatedly that the publication does not include nudity or pornography.



'When he added that he had the cover folded over so no one could see it, Eddinger responded, "No, you didn't. I could see it from up here." Paris did not appear to take the situation seriously, and Eddinger called a ten-minute recess. When the judge returned to the bench, Paris tried again to justify having the magazine in court, saying the magazine belonged to his girlfriend... Eddinger then showed the magazine from the bench, with the crowd erupting in laughter.'



Judge Eddinger gave Mr Paris 15 days, suspended, and fined him $300 and costs. The magazine was, of course, made exhibit A for the contempt case.