The Stella Awards for 2007 are out (www.stellaawards.com). These are the prizes awarded for the most frivolous lawsuits, named after the woman who sued after burning herself on a cup of MacDonald’s coffee. Here’s the 2007 winner…


Roy L. Pearson Jr. The 57-year-old Administrative Law Judge from Washington DC claims that a dry cleaner lost a pair of his pants, so he sued the mom-and-pop business for $65,462,500. That's right: more than $65 million for one pair of pants. Representing himself, Judge Pearson cried in court over the loss of his pants, whining that there certainly isn't a more compelling case in the District archives. But the Superior Court judge wasn't moved: he called the case "vexatious litigation," scolded Judge Pearson for his "bad faith," and awarded damages to the dry cleaners. But Pearson didn't take no for an answer: he's appealing the decision. And he has plenty of time on his hands, since he was dismissed from his job. Pearson's appeal is still pending