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November 14, 2017 2:42 AM

RIP Jeremy Hutchinson, AKA Baron Hutchinson of Lullington AKA Lord Hutchinson of Lullington who has recently died at the age of 102 and was one of finest criminal barristers to practice. He defended Lady Chatterley, Fanny Hill and Christine Keeler and defeated Mary Whitehouse. The Guardian has an extraordinary obituary of an extraordinary man.
posted by fearfulsymmetry (12 comments total)

Thanks for this ffs, I'm not usually one for reading obits but that was well worth it. A serious contribution to society from a decent lawyer.
posted by biffa at 3:02 AM on November 14, 2017 [3 favorites]

Just sent the link to my wife along with the explanation that it was an attorney. She asked the perfect question in response: “Do we know him?” Alas, no.
posted by grimjeer at 4:34 AM on November 14, 2017

Not to take away from his exemplary record but I sometimes wonder about the judicial system that he was so obviously a master of - I’m left wondering whether trials are merely games. We trust jurors to determine what’s right and wrong: should they be wooed with such silken finesse by the histrionics of eloquent QCs?
posted by unliteral at 4:38 AM on November 14, 2017

I have him to thank for securing the freedom of the man who is now my husband (Duncan Campbell, the "C" in the ABC case).

I'm certain we have a copy of his biography on the shelf - for my sins I have not yet read it but I think it's time I fixed that omission.
posted by BuxtonTheRed at 4:41 AM on November 14, 2017 [40 favorites]

Well that’s certainly something BuxtonTheRed.
posted by unliteral at 4:50 AM on November 14, 2017

I feel somewhat churlish now.
posted by unliteral at 4:54 AM on November 14, 2017

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posted by lalochezia at 5:36 AM on November 14, 2017

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So encouraging in these times, to learn of a decent man
posted by mumimor at 5:50 AM on November 14, 2017

The best part of the obit is not about Hutchinson, the old darling, but about Margaret Drabble.

Judge Alan King-Hamilton: We have got along quite well without oral sex for the past 2,000 years or so. Why do we have to read about it now?

Drabble: (No reply)

Judge: Witness, why do you hesitate?

Drabble: I am sorry, my Lord, I was just trying to remember the passage from Ovid.

.
posted by dannyboybell at 6:17 AM on November 14, 2017 [12 favorites]

That man was a hero.

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posted by Abehammerb Lincoln at 6:29 AM on November 14, 2017

Worth it just for the Whitehouse anecdote, which is one of the best courtroom stories I've read. Thanks for the post!
posted by languagehat at 7:29 AM on November 14, 2017

I’m left wondering whether trials are merely games. We trust jurors to determine what’s right and wrong: should they be wooed with such silken finesse by the histrionics of eloquent QCs?

It's a damn good question. I'm certainly open to better proposals. But the system does leave room for brilliant people dedicated to high principle to exercise some influence, as in this case, so it'll do pro tem.

And, BuxtonTheRed, as a journalist who has sometimes dabbled in the shadowlands, I too have reason to raise a glass to the departed silk - by no means as heartily as you, but there are a lot of us out here in his debt to make up the numbers.
posted by Devonian at 6:28 PM on November 15, 2017