Show trials one of the good features about an english trial is the promptness with which all proceedings begin precisely at half past ten a knock is heard at the outer door instantly all hats come off the hum of conversation ceases and every one rises then enters the judge in white bag wig and scarlet cloak plentifully trimmed with ermine he is closely followed by oliree sheriffs who are in attendance for the day and the procession halts when the judge has reached the bench over the head sheriffs chair is placed a large sword and it requires little imagination to fancy that you are attending a state trial in the days of queen elizabeth rather than one in our material nineteenth century the judge then makes a queer little bow first to the jury then to alie lawyers the crier repeats his usual formula everybody sits down and the court is in session |