That was my first offence.

Then I dared to defend myself, which was a greater offence still; for his lordship had not only made up his mind that I was guilty, but resolved to play the part of prosecuting counsel.

We were bound to clash, and, if I am not mistaken, we exchanged glances of defiance almost as soon as we faced each other.
His look said "I will convict you," and mine answered "We shall see." Sir Hardinge Giffard's speech in opening the case for the prosecution was brief, but remarkably astute.

He troubled himself very little about the law of Blasphemy, although the jury had probably never heard of it before.

He simply appealed to their prejudices.