Judge sometimes frustrated with Orr's long answers

10/29/2013
ASSOCIATED PRESS

DETROIT — Lawyers in court like to ask yes-or-no questions. But they don’t always like to answer just yes or no.

The judge overseeing Detroit’s bankruptcy trial scolded city emergency manger Kevyn Orr for his long elaboration in response to yes-or-no questions.

Before a lunch break today, Judge Steven Rhodes said he’s been “ineffective” in getting Orr to limit his answers. Orr apologized.

The judge told Orr he would accept the apology if Orr accepts his advice. Orr is a lawyer and is a key witness in a trial to determine if Detroit will be allowed to restructure $18 billion in debts in bankruptcy court.