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SC 3x13 2SKRANNNKK goes the unforgiving minute hand of the slate clock in Court 2.

SHWOOSHH goes my Pentel waterbrush on textured paper.

Cotter v Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs is the attraction. Should Mr Cotter’s claim for tax relief be adjudicated by the court (s9A Taxes Management Act 1970) or the first-tier tribunal (schedule 1A TMA)?

What does ‘in a tax return’ mean? In fact, what is a tax return?

René Magritte's painting

René Magritte’s painting

‘This is like the painting This is not a pipe,’ says Lord Reed.

Counsel invites their lordships to consider the distinction between ‘in a return’ and ‘in the return’.

Lord Neuberger remarks on the surreality of tax law while dizzying flowers on the velvet curtains, owing more to the Pre-Raphaelites, play around the wigs of counsel.

Last night I had a drink with someone who’s been let loose on the freelance world by the Lebedevs. Worryingly, I was the person she asked for advice. ‘Accountant,’ I said. ‘Spreadsheet. Monthly. Claim.’
 
Today I’m out of my depth.SC 3x13 9

‘Why do you say that?’ says Lord Neuberger in response to counsel. ‘Other than common sense which is unwise in tax revenue cases.’

After lunch, counsel is surprised to see an artisan in the public seats. ‘Tell me if I get in your way,’ he says politely, but backs of heads serve my visual needs.

Every 60 seconds: SKRANNNKK.

More pictures if you scroll down.

Mr Cotter - not the respondent but someone in the public seats

Mr Cotter – not the respondent but
someone in the public seats

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