Definition: The spectacular act of a defendant or witness unintentionally delivering irrefutable proof of their own guilt or incompetence through sheer stupidity or arrogance during legal proceedings. A courtroom implosion so severe it makes their lawyer visibly cringe and the judge question humanity.
Common examples include showing up drunk to your DUI trial, confessing to uncharged crimes on the stand, or bragging about traffic violations while being sued for reckless forklift driving. Also covers threatening the judge on social media or meticulously explaining how you definitely violated the policy you’re accused of breaking.
Example:
During cross-examination for assault, the defendant proudly described three other fights that month, providing irrefutable proof of his violent tendencies.
While denying the harassment claim under oath, the employee meticulously explained how his ‘jokes’ definitely violated the company policy, stunning his own attorney.