Custom develops by general consent into law.

Trial by combat may become obsolete in practice even long before it becomes illegal.

There are many cases in which a man (or a nation) dare not give way, though he knows that it will cost him more to fight the case.

A rough Lancashire manufacturer was once advised against fighting a difficult case on the ground that the result was uncertain, and the costs would in any event be very heavy, more than the value of the matter in dispute.

He said afterwards to his solicitor with some force, "If I give in in this, that -- -- will come into my kitchen, kick me, and ask what business I have there.