Natural disasters happen all the time and generally, governments get a bad rap for their actions during the aftermath.

Right now the Japanese government faces its own criticisms after the earthquake and tsunami. Most of it is due to problems at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power complex and the government’s bureaucratic red tape.

Although it may seem like the Japanese government isn’t working as fast it could, it is a miracle worker compared to this list of worst government responses due to natural disasters.

If you hang around courts long enough, regardless of which side of the law you're on (ahem), you're bound to see some crazy things. Usually, the craziness comes from the litigants in the court cases, but sometimes judges lend their own sense of loopiness to the proceedings when they hand down their sentences. Here are 14 such instances of unusual sentencing, be they "creative" or "crackpot."

Courtroom dramas are a staple of Hollywood moviemaking, but not surprisingly, the true stories behind the films are usually not as glamorous as their big-screen adaptations. Here are some famous examples.

During the 20th century, a so-called "trial of the century" occurred every few years, fueled by media sensationalism and a public thirst for juicy gossip, celebrity lifestyles or good old-fashioned revenge. Here are 20 trials that have, at one time or another, been deemed the indisputable "trial of the (20th) century." Read More...

These actual courtroom testimonies were recorded by court reporters who probably had to work while trying keep a straight face.

Rules are Rules

Judge: You may call your next witness.

Defense Attorney: Your Honor, at this time I would like to swat [opposing counsel] on the head with his client's deposition.

Judge: You mean read it?

Defense Attorney: No, Sir. I mean to swat him on the head with it. Pursuant to Rule 32, I may use the deposition "for any purpose" and that's the purpose I want to use it for.