Scalia's "Conflict"

In a small Michigan town, a local businessman brought a small claims suit against a man who had failed to pay for services rendered. The judge found for the businessman, then observed in regard to the defendant, "Do you have your checkbook with you? I have a feeling that if I let you walk out of this courtroom, the plaintiff is going to have a hard time getting you to pay this judgment." The defendant indicated that he had his checkbook. The judge instructed him to write a check satisfying his debt to the plaintiff. Then, as the parties were leaving the courtroom, the judge called out to the Plaintiff, "Hey Joe - do you want to go fishing this weekend?"

But, I guess that's okay.

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