Medicine’s solemn moments

Not so long ago, at the start of a trial I took part in, the opposing barrister was ruffling through his papers while my witness was swearing the oath: “I swear by almighty God that I will tell the truth [ruffling of papers] . . . the whole truth [more ruffling] . . .” At this point the judge, with a frown, told my opponent to stop at once.

I was surprised by this judicial rebuke. Many barristers, for whom the court procedure has become second nature, pay little attention during the swearing of the …