The 180

OPINION: Duffy trial teaches us what it means to be bored

The trial of suspended Senator Mike Duffy was supposed to be a salacious affair, filled with revealing details of political machinations at the highest levels. But journalist Nicholas Kohler says, sometimes, it has reporters and jurists in the courtroom nodding off, and contemplating existence.
Suspended Senator Mike Duffy is facing 31 charges of fraud, breach of trust and bribery related to his Senate expenses. (Sean Kilpatrick/Canadian Press)


The trial of suspended Senator Mike Duffy was supposed to be a salacious affair, filled with revealing details of political machinations at the highest levels.

While certainly there have been dramatic revelations and high-profile witnesses, there's also been something else.

Downright boredom.

Journalist Nicholas Kohler has been covering the trial for Maclean's. On one excruciating day, the trial became so boring, people began yawning and nodding off. The depths of boredom became so great, Kohler was forced to contemplate the nature of boredom itself.