The essential words and writings of Clarence Darrow / edited and with an introduction by Edward J. Larson and Jack Marshall.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Darrow, Clarence, 1857-1938.

Contributor:

Larson, Edward J. (Edward John)

Marshall, Jack, 1950-

Series:

Modern Library classics

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Law--United States.

Law.

United States.

Darrow, Clarence, 1857-1938.

Darrow, Clarence.

Lawyers--United States--Biography.

Lawyers.

Genre:

Biographies.

Physical Description:

xix, 254 pages ; 21 cm.

Place of Publication:

New York : Modern Library, 2007.

Summary:

The celebrated American lawyer Clarence Darrow was renowned for his spirited, ruthlessly logical defense of populist causes and controversial ideas. Even today, Darrow's words continue to frame public discussion about our civil liberties and our religious and civic life. In this timely volume, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward J. Larson and ethicist Jack Marshall assemble a broad and rich collection of the iconic lawyer's words and writings-opening statements, trial arguments, lectures-accompanied by excerpts from his memoir and annotated with expert commentary. These selections showcase the mesmerizing power of Darrow's passions and ideals, which have lost none of their impact or immediacy with the passage of time.

Clarence Darrow (1857-1938) had one of the most influential legal careers in American history. He is renowned for his landmark defenses in the 1924 Leopold/Loeb thrill-killing case and the Scopes "Monkey" trial of 1925, where the debate over evolution first surged to national attention. He was notable as a friend to the underdog, a leading member of the American Civil Liberties Union, and a distinguished speaker on agnosticism, liberalism, and free thought.

Contents:

Chapter 1 Lectures, Speeches, and Addresses

Introduction: From The Story of My Life 3

Main Selection: "Crime and Criminals" 6

Supplementary Selections: "Why I Am an Agnostic" 18

"The Right of Revolution" 21

"The Problem of the Negro" 24

Chapter 2 Opening Statements and Trial Arguments

Introduction: From The Story of My Life 29

Main Selection: From Tennessee v. Scopes 31

Supplementary Selection: From Idaho v. Haywood 50

Chapter 3 Articles and Essays

Introduction: From The Story of My Life 62

Main Selection: "The Myth of the Soul" 63

Supplementary Selections: "How to Pick a Jury" 75

"Absurdities of the Bible" 84

Chapter 4 Debates

Introduction: From The Story of My Life 89

Main Selection: "Are We Machines?" 91

Supplementary Selections: "Is Life Worth Living?" 103

"Is the Human Race Permanently Progressing Toward a Better Civilization?" 111

Chapter 5 Witness Examinations

Introduction: From The Story of My Life 120

Main Selection: Bryan Examination from Tennessee v. Scopes 122

Supplementary Selections: Aller Examination from Idaho v. Haywood 131

Schuknecht Examination from Michigan v. Sweet 139

Morgan Examination from Tennessee v. Scopes 148

Voir Dire from Idaho v. Haywood 154

Examination of Expert Witnesses from Hawaii v. Fortescue 156

Chapter 6 Fiction

Introduction: From "Realism in Literature and Art" 161

Main Selection: "The Breaker Boy" 164

Supplementary Selections: "Little Louis Epstine" 172

Rules of Conduct" from Farmington 180

Chapter 7 Biographical Writings and Speeches

Introduction: From Darrow's Reflections on His Sixty-first Birthday 183

Main Selection: Voltaire 185

Supplementary Selection: John Brown 204

Chapter 8 Closing Arguments

Introduction: From The Story of My Life 213

Main Selection: From Michigan v. Sweet 214

Supplementary Selections: From Idaho v. Haywood 230

From Illinois v. Leopold and Loeb 235

From Hawaii v. Fortescue 240

Biographical Timeline 249.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [253]-254).

"2007 Modern Library paperback original"--T.p. verso

ISBN:

9780812966770

0812966775

OCLC:

73503253