Rensselaer Semi-Weekly Republican, Volume 38, Number 85, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 July 1906 — Defines the Court’s Duty. [ARTICLE]

Defines the Court’s Duty.

A. G. Jewett, lawyer, politician and man of sarcastic wit, was once trying a ease in the supreme court in Belfast, Me., his home city. The judge presiding, before being called to the bench, had tried many cases against Jewett, wfio <TitT not entertain a very high opinion of his ability. In his dosing argument, Jewett, In defiance of the rules of the court, started in to read some law to the jury. The court pouinled on the bench and said: “Mr. Jewett, you must not read law to the jury in your closing argument.” Jewett kept on reading, without so much as a glance at the court. The court in thunderous tones ordered him to stop. Jewett, who had by this time read all lie intended to read, turned calmly to the judge and said : “Did your honor address me?” “i said,” roared the judge, “you must not read law to the jury in your closing argument. I will give the law to the jury. What do you suppose the court is here for?” * * “What is the court here for?” responded Jewett in high falsetto. “I suppose you know, sir, to keep order with the aid of the sheriff, sir, with all due respect to the sheriff, sir.” —Boston Herald.