David Brock Impeachment Trial: 2000

Testifying for the prosecution, former justice Thayer said Brock permitted him to influence the selection of judges for his own divorce appeal. Defense attorney Madigan urged him to admit he was angry with Brock and the court clerk for filing a report that ended his career. "You're trying to build up this vindictive thing," responded Thayer, insisting Brock was a trusted friend.

Thayer then supported the prosecution by testifying that the chief justice invited his reaction by announcing his choices for the divorce appeals panel and then speaking privately with him about them. He said he blurted out an objection to one judge only when Brock asked him what he thought.

Brock's testimony countered, "When I made that announcement, I had no expectation anyone was going to respond. I was shocked by that." But, he added, "Justice Thayer immediately pushed down the arm rails of his chair, he jumped halfway up and yelled, 'No, no, you can't do that.'"