Trials of a Clown

Meet Canada's newest comedian!

Take his wife -- please!

Assistant Crown attorney Paul Alexander is no ordinary comic, so don't expect him to perform in an ordinary comedy club.

No, Mr. Alexander's venue of choice for his antics and whimsy is . . . the courtroom.

He is so serious about his craft that he recently caused a mistrial when when some gloomy-Guses in the jury sent a note to the judge saying a man in the front row of the gallery was making them uncomfortable as he made strange faces during testimony.

Some people just can't take a joke!

Sorry, for those who are weak at heart, maybe Mr. Alexander's performances aren't for you. He pulls no punches. If you're boring on the witness stand, he'll roll his eyes like a Vienna clown. If you're funny on the stand, he'll silently guffaw like a modern day Puccini. If you cry on the stand . . . well, that clown at heart, Mr. Alexander, will do all he can to turn your frown upside down!

The Canadian news is making a very big deal out of the mistrial. Yet again, the Canadian Criminal Justice system is taking itself too seriously and scape-goating a person who's trying to lighten things up.

Regarding the mistrial, Attorney General Chris Bentley said, "I've been involved in the criminal justice system for 30 years, and I can’t say that I’ve heard of a similar circumstance. It’s just very, very unusual."

Well, Mr. Bentley isn't known for his funny bone.

Chief prosecutor John Ayre has launched an investigation. Booo! Well, no one ever accused Mr. Ayre of knowing a good joke when he heard one.

As the Christmas season approaches, Mr. Alexander is going to be in high demand, mugging and clowning at trials across Canada. Book him now or you'll have to wait until next year. This man is in demand!