'That's not how it works' - the judge crossing swords with Musk in court
Musk has accused Altman and OpenAI president Greg Brockman of a breach of charitable trust and unjust enrichment.He objects to OpenAI's decision to open a for-profit arm in 2019, three years before it debuted the software ChatGPT which ignited the commercial AI market.OpenAI says Musk is suing to give his own AI startup, xAI, a leg-up.During his testimony last week, Musk tried at one point to play the part of his own legal counsel, accusing OpenAI's lawyer William Savitt of asking him leading questions.Gonzalez Rogers quickly shut him down."That's not how it works," she interjected.Unlike a lawyer conducting direct examination of their own client, Savitt was allowed to lead, she instructed Musk."Let's remind everyone in the courtroom that you are not a lawyer," she told Musk."I am not a lawyer," Musk acknowledged. "Well, technically I did take Law 101 in school," he added, drawing laughter from the packed courtroom gallery.But he reaffirmed her point: "Yes – I am not a lawyer."In Gonzalez Rogers, Musk may have met his match."It does make an interesting juxtaposition. He's the wealthiest man in the world. He's used to being on top. She's definitely on top now. She's in charge," said veteran courtroom artist Vicki Behringer, who has covered several cases overseen by Judge Gonzalez Rogers, including this one.Commentators have described Gonzalez Rogers as a tough but fair judge who is in total command of her courtroom."She wants everybody to be treated exactly the same under the law," said Rhodes, who has also represented Musk and OpenAI in the past.While the nine-person jury is expected to decide the case by the end of this month, their decision is not binding. They serve in an advisory role. Ultimately, Gonzalez Rogers will be the final arbiter."That changes the whole landscape," said Jay Edelson, a plaintiffs lawyer who has wrongful death lawsuits pending against OpenAI. "It really means that this is completely her show."
