Reputation of Maverick But like an actor in a leading role, Judge Richey reads and is affected by his reviews.

"From early on I wanted to be a lawyer," Judge Richey said.

Under the civil contempt order he entered today, Judge Richey said the fines on the defendants would start at $50,000 a day for the first week.

At the time, Judge Richey angrily denied the charge, calling it, "sheer poppycock, ridiculous."

If Judge Richey issues the contempt citation, his ruling would almost certainly be appealed by the Justice Department.

A dog is man's best friend' is an old adage which the defendants have either forgotten or decided to ignore," Judge Richey wrote.

In most states, the regulations would have gone into effect next month, but for Judge Richey's ruling.

After Judge Richey's ruling last year on the grants, the Administration appealed directly to the Supreme Court.

"A showing of political influence renders the Service's ruling null and void," Judge Richey wrote.

But all that is likely to change as a result of Judge Richey's decision.