Elon Musk openly admitted, “I am not a lawyer,” during a tense courtroom exchange. With a hint of humor, he added, “Well, technically I did take Law 101 in school,” prompting laughter throughout the packed courtroom. Yet, he immediately confirmed the judge’s correction: “Yes – I am not a lawyer.”
The Judge Who Commands Respect
In Judge Gonzalez Rogers, Musk has encountered a formidable adversary. Veteran courtroom artist Vicki Behringer, who has sketched numerous cases under Gonzalez Rogers’ oversight, remarked on the stark contrast between the two: “He’s the wealthiest man in the world. He’s used to being on top. She’s definitely on top now. She’s in charge.”
Legal commentators consistently describe Gonzalez Rogers as a tough yet fair judge who exerts complete control over her courtroom. According to attorney Rhodes, who has previously represented Musk and OpenAI, “She wants everybody to be treated exactly the same under the law.”
Jury’s Role and the Judge’s Final Authority
The nine-member jury, expected to deliver its advisory verdict by the month’s end, holds no binding power over the case. Instead, the final decision rests entirely with Gonzalez Rogers.
Legal expert Jay Edelson, who is handling wrongful death lawsuits against OpenAI, emphasized the judge’s pivotal role: “That changes the whole landscape. It really means that this is completely her show.”
