Appellate Practice
See the Video: Lawyer calls appeals judge ‘honey’ in heat of oral arguments, struggles to continue
An appellate lawyer has gained internet fame after he called a female judge “honey” during the heat of oral arguments before the Colorado Court of Appeals last week. (Image from Shutterstock)
An appellate lawyer has gained internet fame after he called a female judge “honey” during the heat of oral arguments before the Colorado Court of Appeals last week.
“But, but, honey,” he said before catching himself.
“Oh, my God, I’m sorry,” he said. “That, that—I don’t know what to say to that. I apologize.”
Above the Law and Irish Legal News are among the publications with stories about the incident, captured in a video clip that is circulating online. The lawyer was representing Colorado in a criminal appeal in a sexual assault case.
Colorado Judge Elizabeth L. Harris told the lawyer to continue, but he struggled to gather his thoughts.
“I’m sorry, I’ve just been totally thrown by my mistake,” he said.
“I can imagine,” Harris replied. “I’m a little thrown by that also if I’m being honest.”
Later in the video not included in the circulating clip, the lawyer said he apologizes “profusely,” according to Irish Legal News.
“My brain didn’t turn on,” he explains.
Irish Legal News identified the lawyer as William Kozeliski of Colorado, which appears to be the name that he states before beginning his argument.
The ABA Journal tried to email Kozeliski and received an out-of-the-office email in reply.
The full video is available by searching for the word “Delgato” on this website. The case, People v. Delgato, focsued on whether a man’s criminal convictions should have been imposed consecutively or concurrently, according to Irish Legal News.
I need all of #lawsky to see this video from a Colorado appeals court livestream yesterday. I am in actual tears. Sound *incredibly* on, the subtitles will not help.
— Mrs. Detective Pikajew, Esq. (@clapifyoulikeme.favrd.social) June 18, 2025 at 9:47 PM
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