Civil litigator Hilary Messer, this issue’s Lawyer In The News, told Obiter she has occasionally misunderstood a judge’s meaning. There was the time when, as a newly qualified solicitor, she got to court early and found herself killing time with the (female) judge. The latter whispered: ‘What are you wearing?’ Panicked, Messer reviewed her dress: regulation black suit, white blouse. She shook her head. The judge repeated the question, slightly louder this time. Messer, utterly flustered now, could only manage ‘Umm…’ At which the judge, at normal volume and somewhat exasperated, asked: ‘What perfume are you wearing?’

Obiter wonders who else has court room misunder­standings they are willing to share. Let us know.