Want the judge to consider your arguments as more substantive than opposing counsel's?  Hand the judge your brief attached to a heavy-duty clipboard.  Want your opponent to drive a softer bargain?  Make certain they're sitting in the plush seat across from you.  Sound crazy?  These are some of the surprising results from new studies on touch:

In one study, subjects were asked to review resumés that had been placed on either heavy or light clipboards. Resumés that were read on hard clipboards were judged to be more substantive than those read on softer ones.  Other test subjects engaged in mock negotiations over the price of a new car. Those who sat in firm chairs drove harder bargains than those ensconced in plusher seats.  When another group of subjects were told an ambiguous story about an interaction between an employee and a supervisor, and subsequently asked to offer an opinion, those who had handled a wood block beforehand judged the employee's behavior more harshly than those who had touched a soft blanket.

(Image from Jason Aaberg)