SEA LAWYER

n. One who attempts to shirk responsibility or blame through trivial technicalities. [This word is used chiefly in the Navy and at the Naval Academy to describe a midshipman or officer who uses technicalities and other trivial excuses to escape responsibility or punishment. Based on the popular stereotype of lawyers always arguing technicalities and trivial details coupled with the fact that the Navy is closely associated with water and the sea. ] Context and source: "Most sea lawyers are not well respected by their classmates. (A Sense of Honor by James Webb)