In litigation, the judge is the maximum boss. Everyone else is a supplicant, compelled to engage in stylized demonstrations of obeisance. We stand when the judge enters and leaves the room. Our pleadings are "respectfully submitted." Before speaking, we make sure that it "pleases the court." We obey the judge's orders and we even say "thank you" for adverse rulings.
Steven Lubert, quoted at Bullies On The Bench, 72 La. L. Rev. 328 (2012)