2009-08-07

raven: [hello my name is] and a silhouette image of a raven (misc - thine own self)
2009-08-07 05:43 pm
Entry tags:

What I Am Doing On My Holidays

So, today, I was almost admitted as a witness for the defence in a criminal trial. This didn't happen, but it was concerning.

Other things that have happened this week: getting lost in Southwark; attending a trial at the Old Bailey only to find [livejournal.com profile] apotropaios was in the jury pool;[1] almost being thrown out of the cells because they thought I was under sixteen(!); a judge staring, bewigged and bemused, down at the assembled court, while she leafed through text message evidence and tried in vain to pronounce "ne1"; almost getting thrown out of the public gallery for being barefoot. And getting used to jerking up like a marionnette at "All upstanding, please".

An observation: barristers are supposed to be arrogant bastards, or otherwise people it is unpleasant to be around, but I haven't met one that wasn't kindness itself; ditto defendants, witnesses and the Crown prosecutor.

I was supposed to be going to Edinburgh the day after tomorrow, but instead, I have an interview for a training contract first thing on Monday morning. In theory I am delighted by this; in practice I am terrified; in synthesis I fully intend to get drunk on Monday night.

Now, however, I depart in the direction of [livejournal.com profile] jacinthsong's birthday party. I'll be grown-up again tomorrow.



[1] Relating this anecdote later, I was asked how I knew him; I opened my mouth and said, "Oh, we were at Oxford together" - and immediately headdesked. Dear self, THIS IS NOT THE NINETEENTH CENTURY BAR.