pettyfogging

This shower of horsehit will drive a cart and horse through established principles of English common law that have helped maintain order for centuries; but try suggesting a change to the rules of how you suggest changing the types of biscuit served at party conference coffee breaks, and the pettyfogging shysters come over like Edwardian hostesses who've just found a turd among the petit fours.

Tony Blair: The Next Labour Prime Minister? 2010

That is the real crime and any further intervention against adults is yet more of the pettyfogging bureaucracy designed for a few reactionary voters at the ballot box.

On Thursday, the Legg report will be published along with... 2008

It should be pointed out that this is the political manifestation of the proliferation of rules, guidance and pettyfogging regulation that has proliferated under this Government and affects employers, businesses, traders, teachers, schools, doctors, nurses, and everyone else whose operations are subject to such rules, guidance and regulations.

How about using specific bank accounts? 2008

The response was to introduce more paper-shuffling and more pettyfogging regulations.

Why I ran away Richard 2004

If she does not, as is now the case, the young man without that improvement which results from passing through a regular course of education, studies a profession and enters the world as a quack-doctor or pettyfogging lawyer.

The Beginnings of Public Education in North Carolina; A Documentary History, 1790-1840. Vol. I Charles Lee 1908

Likewise, the courts are adopting simpler rules and codes of civil procedure, which give less room for pettyfogging hindrances and delays in litigation.

Colleges in America John Marshall Barker 1888

It took place between Dyer and a miserable pettyfogging lawyer, in Brookville, named Grant.

The Lights and Shadows of Real Life 1847

This gentleman never practised any mean pettyfogging arts; on the contrary, he always dissuaded those who consulted him from commencing vexatious suits.

Tales and Novels — Volume 02 Maria Edgeworth 1808

Much about the same time, and, perhaps, influenced by the example, Mr. Butterfield also found out that he could do without the services of a sordid, pitiful, pettyfogging attorney.

Ashton Priory Anonymous 1792

-- I think, says the Parson, it is much of the same Fineness with that which your Profession is complimented with, in the pimping, dirty, pettyfogging Character of Trim, -- which, in my

A Political Romance Laurence Sterne 1740