I just had the opportunity to llisten to the audio. I have to say that I respectfully disagree with those who said Cook did a bad job. Said he stammered and was not smooth.

He did sound a bit horse but I would assume he had a cold. The presentation may not sound smooth but you have to remember and any attorneys out there can correct me if I'm wrong. In an appeal, Cook is basically being questioned by the panel and his answers are referenced from the 400 page transcript of the District Court, and he has to locate the page on the transcipt or he has to refer to it in his answers. He has no idea what he is going to be asked so he can not possibly have everything planned ahead. He has to refer the Judges on the panel to the transcripts and what page he is referring to. Thus the hesitation. He also has to chose his words carefully. One slip up could be costly.

The other attorney already has his arguement togehter prior to the appeal because he knows what he wants to argue. So it seems to flow better. Then off that arguement the Panel questions him. Notice though, when the judges on the Panel asked him questions he delayed had had to refer to the transcipt also.

Cook did a fine job and those that think otherwise are intitled to their oppinion or are here to get the SP down more for a reason.

Gltal epd 262