I just rewatched the movie, and had the same question as the OP. No one ever answered as to why the judge (who had shown himself previously to be a hardass), *thanked *Newman’s character each time the “exception” was noted.
I think it’s in the same spirit as when a Senator says, “My esteemed colleague from Tennessee” when he really means “asshole.”
Great point–that makes sense.
I have another fictional example of this. In the TV show Night Court, there’s an episode based on the Mayflower Madam case. The defendant has a notebook which supposedly lists the names of many VIPs. The prosecutor wants the notebook put into evidence, which would allow him to read it.
Judge Stone refuses to allow the notebook into evidence.
Prosecutor: Objection!
Judge: Overruled.
Prosecutor: Exception!
Judge: Noted.
Prosecutor: Frustration.
Judge: Understood.
