Proof

I think that sometimes we take things for granted and assume that just asserting something is proof of its existence/occurrence. Today I watched a case prior to our hearing where the parties represented themselves pro se (without lawyers). They offered precious little proof of their damages, and the judge was very patient in explaining things to them as he dismissed their claims against each other. There is a need to be meticulous and detail-oriented. It's not enough to say "I lost $1000 in shoes, clothing, etc. from that water leak." Ante up the documents - the receipts, invoices, etc. Itemize the things lost. Show how you came up with that figure. Do you need an expert? Get an expert. Justify why the court should give you what you're asking for over them. And sometimes that matters in our normal lives... it seems anal, yes, and it's certainly not the easy way to parse information. But if you have something to say about someone, make sure you back it up with substance. When did they say X? Did you ever have a real conversation about the topic, or are you reaching and piecing distantly related things together to make some kind of judgment? If you think through specific examples, do you have proof of character? Did you clarify with the person after that judgment? Are you making a mountain out of a molehill? Mental beef jerky to chew on...