Something Rhymes with Purple Pettifogger
Feb 23, 2021
The hosts dive into the quirks of legal language and courtroom culture, exploring the origins of terms like 'juror' and what it means to be 'silk.' With humor, they discuss colorful brief bags and the dark side of courtroom slang, including 'manslaughter' as 'man's laughter.' Tales of infamous lawyers and courtroom repartee add flair to the lively conversation. Susie also shares fascinating words like 'ninguid' and 'widdendream,' making legal talk both educational and entertaining.
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F.E. Smith's Famous Courtroom Riposte
- Gyles Brandreth recalls F.E. Smith's cutting courtroom repartees learned from his father.
- His favourite: when Smith quipped 'as drunk as a judge' and the judge corrected 'drunk as a lord', Smith replied, 'as your lordship pleases.'
The Dock Brief: Picking A Barrister In Court
- Gyles recounts the 'dock brief' practice where unrepresented defendants picked barristers waiting around the dock.
- John Mortimer likened it to being chosen in a Paris brothel, illustrating the undignified scramble for work.
Court As Gathering And Courtesy Origin
- 'Court' comes from Latin cohort and originally meant a courtyard or gathering place where sovereigns and judicial assemblies met.
- Courtesy and courting favour derive from the same court-rooted notion of paying homage and chivalry.
