As noted in this earlier post, I am a big fan of the English tradition of writing lighthearted obituaries. This Daily Telegraph obit is another wonderful example of that tradition, as reflected by the opening description of the decedent, former English barrister, Peter Parkenham:

Patrick Pakenham, who has died aged 68, was a talented barrister and the second son of the 7th Earl and Countess of Longford; highly intelligent, articulate and possessed of an attractive and powerful voice, Pakenham could have attained great professional heights, but his boisterous nature and bouts of mental illness rendered it impossible for him to adhere to the routine required to sustain his position at the Bar, and he retired after 10 years’ practice.

But that overview is nothing compared to this anecdote:

During his legal career, Pakenham became something of a legend, and, 25 years on, accounts of his exploits are still current. During his appearance before an irascible and unpopular judge in a drugs case, the evidence, a bag of cannabis, was produced.
The judge, considering himself an expert on the subject, said to Pakenham, with whom he had clashed during the case: “Come on, hand the exhibit up to me quickly.” Then he proceeded to open the package. Inserting the contents in his mouth, he chewed it and announced: “Yes, yes of course that is cannabis. Where was the substance found, Mr Pakenham?”
The reply came swiftly, if inaccurately: “In the defendant’s anus, my Lord.”

Read the entire piece, as it only gets better. Hat tip to Is that Legal for the link.