“Her husband was addicted to drinking, and he expressed the belief that if he had a little child in the house it would help to wean him from his habit… witness began to dress up as to give herself the… Continue reading

In the below story from the Belfast Telegraph, 7 August 1877, two neighbours in Ballinasloe, County Galway engage in a heated legal battle over a cat: Other examples of recourse to the law to recover stolen pets can occasionally be… Continue reading

From the Greenock Telegraph and Clyde Shipping Gazette, 27 September 1895, this account of a legal tussle at the Killorglin Petty Sessions between two women smitten with the same man, with a dialogue worthy of – and perhaps an inspiration… Continue reading

A case of elder abuse in the Dublin Police Court reported in the Dundee Courier of 27 January 1885. Police court reports are a great insight into Ireland of the time, and the Dublin Police Court, a Dickensian building behind… Continue reading

From the Freeman’s Journal, 26 October 1885 “DEATH OF A SCHOOLBOY WHILE BEING CANED PROCEEDINGS IN THE POLICE COURT On Saturday morning in Northern Division of Police Court before Mr Charles J O’Donel, John McNamee, schoolmaster of the Star of… Continue reading