We are known to have the finest legal system in the world, one which others would do well to copy. Seriously, ’tis true, there is an area of research called law and finance which seems to be proving that a Common Law system, most especially in things such as commercial, business and property law, has a highly beneficial effect upon growth rates in the economy. Then we get stories like this which slightly dampen that reputation:

Pakenham’s obituary went on to quote his final speech to a court, after
he had returned from a bibulous lunch: "Members of the jury, it is my
duty as defence counsel to explain the facts of this case on my
client’s behalf. The judge will guide you and advise you on the correct
interpretation of the law and you will then consider your verdict.
Unfortunately, for reasons which I won’t go into now, my grasp of the
facts is not as it might be. The judge is nearing senility; his
knowledge of the law is out of date, and will be of no use in assisting
you to reach a verdict. While, by the look of you, the possibility of
your reaching a coherent verdict can be excluded." Having delivered
himself of these words, Pakenham was apparently led from the court.