"A pleading that states a claim for relief must contain . . . a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief . . ." -- Rule 8(a) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

"In alleging fraud or mistake, a party must state with particularity the circumstances constituting fraud or mistake." -- Rule 9(b) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure

A 465-page racketeering lawsuit filed with Washington State federal judge Ronald Leighton inspired Leighton to gin up the following limerick. (Gavel bang: How Appealing)

Plaintiff has a great deal to say, But it seems he skipped Rule 8(a). His Complaint is too long, Which renders it wrong, Please rewrite and refile today.

Drawing a rare comparison between Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, Judge Leighton (pictured), in a four-page order granting the defendant's motion for a more definite statement, writes that brevity, in addition to being the soul of wit, is the soul of a pleading.