Judge adjourns to read Griffith’s work
Cross-examination of cognitive scientist and philosopher, Lieutenant Colonel Dr William Casebeer concluded shortly after proceedings commenced this morning in the Supreme Court.
This preceded some general discussion by Justice David Kirby, with both Dr Casebeer and counsel for the various parties, about the origins of consciousness, humans’ instinctive heritage and how those issues are presented in biologist Jeremy Griffith’s 1991 book, Beyond The Human Condition.
“This subject is that fascinating I would dearly like to take over cross-examination,” Justice Kirby quipped at one stage.
The discussion finished with Justice Kirby asking Dr Casebeer if there was anything else he wanted to say about Beyond The Human Condition.
“No, other than what I have said in my statement. In conclusion, I would like to wish both parties luck with these issues. They are challenging, interesting and important,” Dr Casebeer said.
Around 11am, the Judge ordered an adjournment of the trial until Thursday to enable him to spend the balance of the day and tomorrow reading through the substantial volume of written material tendered in evidence by the parties, including several of Mr Griffith’s published works on the human condition.
The case resumes at 10am on Thursday when the defendants are expected to call primatologist Professor Colin Groves to the witness box.
