I'm not familiar with court proceedings (other than TV and the movies). I realize things can get lively, particularly in Cohen's court room. He cited Dorkin (WW attorney) for contempt at an earlier proceeding and now we read that Elkin was shouting and interrupting and grand-standing.
I'm still somewhat surprised at Soenardi's tone. Honestly, I would expect him to read the situation and at least be respectful towards Cohen. I'm surprised that he feels comfortable trying to blatantly manipulate Cohen, insult him and the proceedings, and I suspect he encourages HM to enlist the help of the media. The line item for the fees: $32K, no explanation, and the subsequent demand for $200K in one advance installment - he's spitting in Cohen's eye, daring him to deny the funds.
As I see it, Cohen's previous decisions have boxed him in. He seemed to take an immediate dislike to WW, replacing him as trustee and refusing to even listen to his concerns about corruption and bribery. He pointed out that the trust was all about HM and her needs.
Well, Judge Cohen, what do you do now? You've got a new trustee to your liking, even you can't deny the bribery (particularly with what's coming out about AC/MS) - but you, Judge Cohen, have already established that the trust has to give HM what HM wants. You can attempt to attach conditions - like requiring an itemized bill - but what do you do when Soenardi spits in your eye?
Figtree, I think basic and emergency health care are free in the prison facilities, but HM insisted on going to the private hospital - not only for birth, but also later when she wasn't taking care of Stella in prison. Renae Lawrence had to go to hospital for appendicitiis, but I believe she was sent to the local public hospital, not the posh private one HM went to. IIRC, on one of the last days of the trial, HM was in a video complaining that Eddy (prosecutor, 'fat *advertiser censored****') had denied another request to go to the hospital (obviously not necessary, or we would have heard more about it).
Something else I noticed about Soenardi. He has made a big deal about paying out of his pocket (but reimbursed later, of course) for personal needs. He did it with Rachel Dougall, Julian Ponder's ex. He noted that he brought her 'mystery books' and other little things. When he and the prosecutor denied allegations of attempted bribery in another case, he mentioned spending his own money for personal items for the client. It's an interesting tactic - it creates a sort of personal bond.
