In an unusual turn of events, a Limerick jury member has found themselves under scrutiny for being drunk during trial proceedings, raising concerns about the longstanding issue of courtroom sobriety. Legends of prisoners, counsel, and even judges being intoxicated in court have circulated for years; however, this recent occurrence has brought the issue back to the forefront.

This incident echoes an old tale of an unnamed Irish judge who was so fond of brandy that they secretly kept a stash in an inkstand in the courtroom and would discreetly drink it during trials through a quill pen. In one such case, the judge asked a witness whether he had been drunk or sober on a specific day, to which the witness replied, “Quite sober, my lord.” An observant counsel, aware of the judge’s hidden inebriation, then interjected with, “As sober as a Judge,” while casting a meaningful glance at the inkstand.

The current case involving the inebriated Limerick jury member serves as a stark reminder that sobriety in the courtroom is of utmost importance in preserving the integrity of the proceedings and ensuring justice is served fairly. It remains to be seen whether this event will lead to heightened sobriety standards and closer monitoring of courtroom participants in the future.

Portsmouth Evening News – Friday 09 January 1903