A SCENE IN COURT.

Dunstan Times, Issue 636, 26 June 1874, Page 2

A SCENE IN COURT.

During the trial of the action Heffernan v. O’Brien in the Supreme Court, Mel* bourne lately, a scene occurred that threatened at one time to hare a very unpleasant termination. Dr Dobson, who was counsel for the plaintiff, had, in cross examination, asked, the husband of tho plaintiff, whether he had ever caused his wife to entertain any jealousy towards a lady whose name was mentioned. Heffernan denied that there was any causo for jealousy. On the lady in question bein'* put in the box, Mr Ireland said that ho must ask her a question, which, under other circumstances, would have been impertinent, hut which ha was obliged to put, in consequence of the insinuations that had been thrown out about her by tho plaintiff’s Counsel, namely Had sho ever had auy improper intimacy avith Mr Heffernan?” Di Dobson said, “We never made any insinuations ” Mr Ireland (to the witnees). —“Answer the question.” The witness (emphatically). “No ; certainly not.” Dr Dobson then said to tho witness, “Madam, I beg to inform you hat whatever attack has been made en you was made by the defendant’s counsel ” Mr Ireland.—“ That is not true." Dr Dobson (very excitedly), “You lie” Mr Ireland made some observation across tho barristev’s table to Dr Dobson which did not reach the ear of the Court. Mr Justice Bany, who was presiding, rose from his seat, closed his note-book, and said that during the twenty years of his experience sn the Bench he had never hoard such coarse language as that used hy Ur Dobson, or witnessed such conduct. Dr Dobson replied, that Mr Ireland began it, and ho was bound to protect himself. Mr Justice Barry. language as that.” Dr Dobson.— “It appears to mo that your Honor is making lisb of one and flesh of another.” Mr Justice Bur-y,—“l do not propose to handy vulgar proverbs with you, Dr Dobson. I think your observation was quite uncalled for.” Dr Dobson then said that, in deference to his Honor’s remarks, he would withdraw any offensive observations that he had made. His Honor said he was glad that the expression had been withdrawn ; ho had noticed lately a great deal of courso conduct and of acerbity of feeling by members of the bar, which ho very much regretted. The discussion then dropped, and the trial was proceeded with. Subsequently through the good offices of Mr M'Barland, Dr Dobson wrote a note to Mr Ireland, expressing his regret that, under a a misapprehension of Mr Ireland’s remarks, he had used the language referred to.