AJ,
I credit above all the Hand of Providence. My little prayer for safe passage my be routine, but it is still heart felt .
I have no idea why the reaction was such. Maybe he had been in court to watch a Trust and Benefit savvy individual the Judge wouldn't deal with. "I waive the Benefits and offer their return" , is also a pretty Proceeding stopping statement. What can a Judge do not to spill the beans that the pompously vaunted "Benefits of Law" have just been given up as quickly and easily as they attempt to get you to abandon your right / benefit against self incrimination ? ( contrived from Bill items I , IV & IX ) "Do you understand these rights?" no = aggravated cop / yes = waiver / silence is golden .