Wisdom eternal: judge uses Caddyshack quotes to shoot down Giuliani case vs. Duke University

As if we didn’t need anymore evidence that Caddyshack is the bible for all things golf.

According to the report posted by TheSmokingGun.com, the judge ruling over the Andrew Giuliani vs. Duke University case found he could best explain his ruling in favor of the university by using Carl Spackler analogies from Caddyshack. From the NY Daily News:

Dixon wasted little time teeing up Giuliani and backing Duke, even employing references to classic golf movie “Caddyshack” to make his point, according to a copy of the decision posted Wednesday on TheSmokingGun.com.

Dixon quips that Giuliani’s attempt to use a particular legal maneuver - one not recognized in North Carolina courts - “brings to mind Carl Spackler’s analysis from the movie ‘Caddyshack.’”

“He’s on the final hole,” Dixon writes, quoting Spackler, the movie’s mumbling, gopher-chasing groundskeeper, played by comedian Bill Murray. “He’s about 455 yards away, he’s gonna hit about a 2 iron, I think.”

As any golfer knows, a 2 iron would do little to close such a hefty gap.

Earlier in the opinion, Dixon dispenses with another Giuliani argument by using the term “mulligan,” which in golf means a do-over.

“Plaintiff attempts to take a mulligan with this argument; however, this shot also lands in the drink,” wrote Dixon.

Finally, Dixon shuts down Giuliani’s argument that Duke was contractually obliged to keep Giuliani on the team.

“[Giuliani’s] fifth and final claim for declaratory judgement…can be disposed of with a hole-in-one sentence: no valid contract means no declaratory judgment,” Dixon concluded.

We can learn a few things from this most eloquent ruling: First, Caddyshack is appropriate in practically any forum. Secondly, even judges look for the opportunity to make people laugh.

Lastly, if you’re going to cut a lawyer’s son from a sports team, hire legal representation beforehand.

If you want to take a trip down memory lane, here’s WorldGolf.com’s list of Caddyshack quotes.

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