Off Balance is a collection of approximately 175 true courtroom anecdotes drawn from the decades-long legal and judicial career of Judge John L. Conover. Co-written with his wife, Karen D. Conover, the book blends humor, introspective commentary, and a candid look at the unpredictable reality of life inside district courtrooms.

The book recounts a wide spectrum of real cases handled by Conover, ranging from petty misdemeanors and minor disputes to serious criminal matters. Stories include:

•	Bizarre or humorous interactions with defendants and self-represented litigants.
•	Unexpected courtroom behaviors, often involving misunderstandings, misstatements, and puzzling logic.
•	Cases illustrating the contrast between small-town American life and the harsher realities of urban crime.
•	Occasional poignant or sobering moments involving tragedy, violence, or the heavy responsibilities shouldered by a judge.

These anecdotes are intentionally crafted to be brief, engaging, and often self-deprecating, with Conover frequently presenting himself as the comedic target.

The overall tone is conversational, humorous, and reflective. While many stories focus on amusing courtroom mishaps, deeper themes emerge throughout:

•	Human unpredictability in legal settings
•	The weight of judicial responsibility
•	The intersection of absurdity and tragedy
•	Compassion and insight into the people who pass through the court system
•	The book portrays justice not as a rigid institution, but as a human endeavor shaped by countless imperfect interactions.

Judge John L. Conover’s Off Balance is an accessible, witty, and often insightful memoir-in-stories that captures the eccentricities, frustrations, and humanity of the American legal system. Its blend of humor and depth makes it both entertaining and surprisingly thought-provoking.

Notable Events in Off Balance
•	The defendant who asked for a “change of MENU” instead of a change of venue.
•	The man who wore glowing light-up shoes while attempting a nighttime escape.
•	The self-represented defendant who rose in court and identified himself to a visually impaired victim.
•	The contrast between small rural cases (like farm-animal disputes) and major criminal cases (including child torture).

John Conover
John L. Conover (1941–2023) was a longtime Michigan attorney and district court judge best known for his decades of public service and his book Off Balance, a collection of humorous and insightful courtroom anecdotes written with his wife, Karen D. Conover.

John earned hi Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Accounting, Michigan State University (1963) and his Juris Doctor (J.D.), Detroit College of Law (1970)

John practiced law privately for approximately twenty years in the Flint/Genesee County area, primarily in family law. In 1963, he was appointed to the 67th District Court by Governor John Engler. Here he served as District Court Judge till 2014, handling a wide range of cases from minor misdemeanors to serious criminal matters.

John L. Conover is remembered as a fair judge, a compassionate community figure, and a storyteller who captured the humor, humanity, and unpredictability of the justice system through his writing.