Degenerate

After his motion to surprises evidence was denied by the court the angered attorney spoke up, "Your Honor," he said, "what would you do if I called you a stupid, degenerate, old fool." The Judge, now also angered, revered, "I would hold you in contempt of court and seek to have you suspended from practicing before this court again!" "What if I only thought it?" asked the attorney. "In that case, there is nothing I could do, you have the right to think whatever you want." "Oh, I see. Then, if it pleases the court, let the record reflect, that I 'think' you're a stupid, degenerate, old fool."