Winter Lunch Wednesday 13th March 2024 (SOLD OUT)
Speaker: John Haynes (W 1955-59)
Topic: The Role of Humour in Criminal Trials
Does humour have a significant and relevant role to play in serious criminal trials?
Edward de Bono considers humour to be a vital aid to fair and thorough trials. Events which
“shook the dignity of the court” during real trials will be referred to in support of that proposition.
A trial for burglary in Somerset in the 1970s shows how Shakespearean Comedy assisted the
defence. A trial for kidnap, rape and underage sex trafficking in Hong Kong was “turned around”
by exposing the ironic, funny and human side of what could have been a horrific set of facts. The
young “victims” may not have been particularly bad girls, but cross-examination showed them to
be somewhat “wayward”.
I will refer to legendary humour in court. The sources for many of these stories are “only” other
barristers. My learned friends are, and need to be, imaginative fellows! It is not easy, nor
necessary, to always know where the truth lies. No warranty of veracity can be given.
2. What should the barrister say and do when he does not believe his client’s claims of innocence,
and believes that a not guilty plea will fail - and make matters worse for the client?
3. Can a barrister ever know for sure the truth as to the sighting of a dog named Spot during a
“professional” salmon poaching episode?
4.Should an alleged shop lifting (by eating) of a small pork pie deserve a “live hearing” in the
London Court of Appeal ?
5. Should an HK lady court interpreter be obliged to translate word for word literally all and every
piece of foul language spoken by the witness?
Edward de Bono considers humour to be a vital aid to fair and thorough trials. Events which
“shook the dignity of the court” during real trials will be referred to in support of that proposition.
A trial for burglary in Somerset in the 1970s shows how Shakespearean Comedy assisted the
defence. A trial for kidnap, rape and underage sex trafficking in Hong Kong was “turned around”
by exposing the ironic, funny and human side of what could have been a horrific set of facts. The
young “victims” may not have been particularly bad girls, but cross-examination showed them to
be somewhat “wayward”.
I will refer to legendary humour in court. The sources for many of these stories are “only” other
barristers. My learned friends are, and need to be, imaginative fellows! It is not easy, nor
necessary, to always know where the truth lies. No warranty of veracity can be given.
2. What should the barrister say and do when he does not believe his client’s claims of innocence,
and believes that a not guilty plea will fail - and make matters worse for the client?
3. Can a barrister ever know for sure the truth as to the sighting of a dog named Spot during a
“professional” salmon poaching episode?
4.Should an alleged shop lifting (by eating) of a small pork pie deserve a “live hearing” in the
London Court of Appeal ?
5. Should an HK lady court interpreter be obliged to translate word for word literally all and every
piece of foul language spoken by the witness?
DATE
Location
Beale Centre
Blundell's School, Blundell's Road, Tiverton, Devon EX16 4DT
Contact Details
Speaker: John Haynes (W 1955-59). Criminal Lawyer
Topic: The Role of Humour in Criminal Trials
Bookings and refunds are taken up until Monday 11th at 9am.
Bar opens at 12.30 with contactless payment only please.
Topic: The Role of Humour in Criminal Trials
Bookings and refunds are taken up until Monday 11th at 9am.
Bar opens at 12.30 with contactless payment only please.
Contact Form
Winter Lunch Wednesday 13th March 2024 (SOLD OUT)
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