In article ws.com, "Phil
Kane" writes:

OK, I'll bite....

What does "makeweight" mean in that context?

My guess is that it's a formal term for "filler" or "bafflegab",
meaning stuff to fill out the claims so it looks impressive.

When the attorney charges by the word (or by the pound) it's an
essential ingredient in any filing. ggg

So I was right!

Look at the stuff that Todd has been throwing out here on this
thread. He can certainly use a session or two on how to write
acceptable Points and Authorities and convincing argument if he
still wants to continue playing lawyer.

I've seen this problem before...as a nonlawyer I will sum it up this way:

Some people confuse the way "the law" *is* with they way *they think it should
be*. The courts, of course, don't work that way.

Personal example:

Some time back, two acquaintances of mine wanted to do work on their houses
that required a variance from the township.

One simply applied for a building permit, with the idea that if a variance was
needed, the township would tell him. At first the township didn't, because
folks who give out permits aren't the ones who do variances and zoning. Of
course eventually the mistake was caought, which started a whole merry-go-round
of proceedings and delayed the project for months and months.

The other checked with an attorney who was experienced in doing variances and
other related work in the township. RE attorney said "yeah, you need a
variance, here's how to get one". Other one followed all the steps (sealed plot
plan, pictures, signed testimonial letter from neighbors saying they had no
objection, etc.) Township gave out the variance with no problems at all.

Now of course some folks will yell that you should be able to do whatever you
want with your own property. Which makes a lot of sense until what A does on
A's property has a major impact on B's property. And in any event, that's not
how real estate works in most built-up areas.

We see the same thing in radio, with the added attraction that some folks feel
that because they have an understanding of the technical end of things, they
automatically know how the regulatory end of things works - or should work.

But they don't.

73 es Holly Hippodays

Jim, N2EY