off the subject just a wee bit... The Elgin adultery trial
Posted by P. Bingham on March 30, 1998 at 13:16:35:
In response to That is very irritating isn't it?, written by P. Bingham on March 28, 1998 at 20:51:58
Linden:
I've just finished reading the transcripts to a trial for adultery (the trial of R.J. fergusson, for adultery with Lady Elgin - that same lady whose husband brought all those marbles to London from the Parthenon) The husband, Lord Elgin, won the case. The evidence was overwhelming. Anyway, throughout the entire proceedings, Lady Elgin did not speak in behalf of herself though she did attend, of course. Neither di the gentleman she was accused of fornicating with. If I recall correctly, Princess Caroline did not speak in her behalf either at her trial. This gives things an odd perspective, unless, of course, these two ladies thought it better not to speak, rather than they were no allowed to speak. Imagine not being able to speak for yourself in such a case. What if there were no witnesses of the actual DEED? I suppose they would then use character witnesses. "She has the adulterous look about her, you know!" I cannot leave this without revealing, however, that the Elgin case actually took place in Edinburgh, as the Lord Elgin was Scottish. A descendent of the infamous Bruces of Scotland. So the court system might be a little different as far as the proceedings go. I do know that in Scotland, you did not have to go through the same trouble to obtain a divorce as in England (in England divorce was granted only by a private and even more costly Act of Parliament.) Divorce was permitted by Scots law.
Patricia
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