In 1957, a runaway cow in Guildford knocked down a man on a pedestrian crossing. At trial, the defendant’s counsel argued that the owner of a tame animal was not liable for damage it did that was “foreign to its species.” Since a cow was undoubtedly tame, he would seek to prove that “the cow attacked the plaintiff; if that were so, there was no liability.” This was followed by a memorable exchange:

His Lordship: Is one to abandon every vestige of common sense in approaching this matter?

Counsel: Yes, my Lord.

The hearing was adjourned, and the court eventually decided for the defendant.