THE BENCH
Official Newsletter of the Judicial Officers Alliance of South Africa
Seventh Edition · October 2026
A Light Moment from the Bench
Comic Strip
Sometimes the simplest explanation is the right one.
Panel 1 – Both counsel insist the file belongs to their matter. Panel 2 – The mystery is solved: two files, one paperclip. Panel 3 – A moment of shared embarrassment. Panel 4 – The magistrate suggests they share the costs of the paperclip.
Judicial Officers Alliance of South Africa · Upholding Justice, Promoting Equity, Fostering Unity Page 16