< Page:The Green Bag (1889–1914), Volume 04.pdf
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Editorial Department.

Convict (who can scarcely believe his ears). Thanks; I can't begin too soon. I 'm an aeronaut. '. So you see the Dakota statute is directly in point, and exactly sustains me," said the lawyer in a Dakota case, laying down the book. "Yes, yes, that would have settled it had not the Supreme Court of Wisconsin held the other way," answered the court. " I 'm sorry, but I shall have to rule against you."

BRIEFS. Cases of lard should be tried in iron kettles. A breach of promise comes under the Statute of Frauds. Second marriages are the best examples of rejoinder. Never refer to bills in equity as anything but Williams; it adds dignity to the profession. Actions for divorce should be adjudicated in the court of Hymen. The will which is probably surest to stand a legal test is that of the mother-in-law. Only practical mechanics should be allowed to file bills. The policeman who does duty in the evening is the most frequent example of knight service. Prevailing sentiment among the fair sex indi cates that lawyers make the best suitors. Crows are said to have the best caws for most actions. Statistics demonstrate that consumption is the most common complaint against the state — of health. It became the solemn duty of Justice to pass sentence on an aged man named George Bliss, for stealing a hog : —. "It is a shame that a man of your age should be giving his mind up to stealing. Do you know any reason why sentence should not be pronounced on you according to the law?" "Now, Judge," was the reply of the aged sinner Bliss, " this is getting to be a trifle monotonous. I would like to know how a fellow can manage to please you judges. When I was only seventeen years old, I got three years, and the judge said I ought to be ashamed of myself for stealing at my

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age. When I was forty, I got five years, and that judge said it was a shame that a man in his very best years should steal. And now, when I am seventy years of age, here you come and tell me the same old story. Now, I would like to know what year of a man's life is the right one, accord ing to your notion." A quaint specimen of a judge who had been an Irish hedge-schoolmaster in his time, once summed up a case as follows : — "The learned counsel for the plaintiff has made a very fine argument, — a splendid argument. Indade, I am thinking his argument unanswerable. And the distinguished counsel for the defendant has made an illigant argument, — an argument that seems to be very sound. I think it is unanswer able. Indade, gentlemen, I think both your argu ments are unanswerable. So I dismiss the case." Legal Object Lessons. — III.

A mechanic's LIEN. Col. Charles Spencer some years ago had to defend one Marshall, charged with larceny, against whom there was very strong evidence. Before the trial, Spencer went to his client, and told him that his only chance was the plea of insanity, and

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