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Story
January 3, 1879
The True Northerner
Paw Paw, Van Buren County, Michigan
What is this article about?
Humorous anecdote from a village court trial last year for illegal liquor sale, where an evasive witness won't name the purchased item, and the attorney's clever question about its taste draws laughter despite the judge's objection.
Clipping
OCR Quality
98%
Excellent
Full Text
A Knowing Court.
An anecdote is told of a court held in a village during the past year, which we regard as one of the richest in its line of any that has been recorded. The case on trial was for the sale of liquor. The principal witness was singularly obtuse, and, though confessing to having made a purchase, could not for the life of him tell what the article was. The most ingenious questioning would not bring it out. At last the attorney asked him, "How did it taste?"
"I dunno!"
Here the court interposed, alleging that to be an improper question, and inquired of the attorney why he put such an interrogatory.
"Well, your Honor," replied the attorney, "I was unable to make the witness tell what kind of liquor he bought; but I thought, if he would tell how it tasted, the court would be able to determine for itself!"
The hit was too palpable, and not even the solemnity of the place or the cause was sufficient so suppress the mirth of the audience.
An anecdote is told of a court held in a village during the past year, which we regard as one of the richest in its line of any that has been recorded. The case on trial was for the sale of liquor. The principal witness was singularly obtuse, and, though confessing to having made a purchase, could not for the life of him tell what the article was. The most ingenious questioning would not bring it out. At last the attorney asked him, "How did it taste?"
"I dunno!"
Here the court interposed, alleging that to be an improper question, and inquired of the attorney why he put such an interrogatory.
"Well, your Honor," replied the attorney, "I was unable to make the witness tell what kind of liquor he bought; but I thought, if he would tell how it tasted, the court would be able to determine for itself!"
The hit was too palpable, and not even the solemnity of the place or the cause was sufficient so suppress the mirth of the audience.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
Crime Story
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Deception
What keywords are associated?
Village Court
Liquor Sale Trial
Obtuse Witness
Witty Attorney
Courtroom Humor
What entities or persons were involved?
Principal Witness
Attorney
Court
Where did it happen?
A Village
Story Details
Key Persons
Principal Witness
Attorney
Court
Location
A Village
Event Date
During The Past Year
Story Details
In a village court trial for the sale of liquor, the obtuse principal witness admits to a purchase but refuses to identify the article. The attorney's question about its taste prompts the court to interpose, leading to the attorney's witty explanation that the court could determine the liquor type from the taste description, causing laughter in the audience.