As all barristers will know, the dreaded event of ‘not being heard’ occurs when they are not allowed to address the court (new barristers often take the words ‘I cannot hear you’ literally, and speak louder!).
There are various reasons why a judge may refuse to hear a barrister, possibly the least unpleasant being where they have already decided the case in the barrister’s favour.
However, the above anecdote, recounted by future Lord Chancellor of Ireland Joseph Napier QC at an event in 1843, serves as proof that, even in that seemingly fortunate situation, barristers may still feel aggrieved by the refusal of the judge to hear them!
Clipping from the Newry Telegraph, 14 October 1843.
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