When Myth Meets Reality
FAIRY TALES IN COURT
In 17th-century Sweden, stories of fairies and other supernatural beings weren’t just the stuff of folklore — sometimes, they even showed up in court. Tales of people falling in love with these creatures fascinated communities and blurred the line between myth and reality. These beliefs influenced real- life events, leading to bizarre legal disputes and societal consequences. Historical Tales of Fairy Romance Documented examples from Swedish history involve people claiming they had romantic relationships with fairies. According to court records, these claims weren’t uncommon during the 1600s, when many believed in supernatural creatures. Cases often involved accusations of kidnapping, enchantment, and
moral corruption, which mirrored the era’s deep-seated anxiety about the influence of otherworldly powers. These stories went beyond the fantastical and were deeply tied to the cultural norms of the time. Accusations often targeted those on the edges of society, reflecting how supernatural elements could support real-world prejudices. While these cases might sound unbelievable today, they show how folklore influenced people’s actions and even legal proceedings. Why These Stories Resonate The allure of fairy romance tales remains strong. Modern literature and media frequently draw inspiration from such
Authors like Philip Pullman, for example, have crafted thought-provoking retellings, such as his “Grimm Tales,” giving us new ways to look at classic ideas.
stories while reimagining them to explore contemporary themes and societal issues. The continued interest in fairy folklore highlights its timeless relevance. Stories like those from Sweden 400 years ago — where claims of fairy romance sparked legal disputes — bridge the past and present and remind us how imagination and belief have shaped history. CHARGED WITH DUI?
Mistakes to Avoid When Facing a DUI
Getting pulled over on a suspected DUI is an unnerving experience that causes many people to act impulsively. The mistakes drivers make during the moments and hours afterward can sharply increase the likelihood of harsh penalties, including fines, license suspension, and incarceration.
Also, resist any urge to talk about your DUI charge with anybody other than your lawyer — including your cellmate, your social media followers, or your friends. Putting more information out there in the world only increases the risk that some of it will come back to haunt you. Refusing a Breathalyzer Test Simply saying no to a blood alcohol content (BAC) test puts you at risk of having your driver’s license revoked. Based on the state’s implied consent law, all driver’s license holders in New Jersey automatically agree to take one when granted a license. Some clients wrongly assume refusing a BAC test will prevent the state from proving they had been drinking. But a police officer’s testimony that you were driving erratically or smelled of alcohol is considered proof by the state. A better route is to take the test and let your attorney fight it in court. If you are facing DUI charges, contact our office as soon as possible for a free consultation. We will be happy to prepare the strongest possible defense on your behalf!
To avoid hurting your chances of acquittal, avoid these three major mistakes. Hiring an Inexperienced Lawyer A great criminal defense attorney doesn’t necessarily have the skill required to protect you in a DUI case. You need a lawyer with the technical
know-how to challenge field sobriety and blood alcohol tests and the experience to spot procedural errors by officers during your arrest. In a related blunder, don’t hire the right lawyer too late! Move quickly to retain an experienced DUI lawyer, so they will have as much time as possible to gather evidence on your behalf. Talking Too Much Being pulled over on a DUI can create a wave of anxiety, and some people respond by protesting, pleading, or arguing. Keeping quiet is smarter. Give the officer only your driver’s license and registration. And when they ask additional questions, politely decline to answer without your lawyer present.
2 | StevenEllmanLaw.com
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator