The Green Bag
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Scarlett’s client, was alleged to have been cajoled into an engagement by the plaintiff's mother. She as a witness in behalf of her daughter completely baflied Scarlett, who
cross-examined her.
But in his argument
be exhibited his tact by this happy stroke of advocacy: "You saw, gentlemen of the jury, that I was but a child in her hands. What must my client have been?"
Dulies to Self 9. Avoid the “easy-come, easy-go” method with your finances. Bank on no fee until paid. 10. Keep up regular habits of systematic study of the law, Acquire special knowledge in some one of its branches. Remember the law is a jealous master. THE GENEALOGY OF A LEGAL JOKE
“A LAWYER’S TEN COMMANDMENTS"
WRITER in the Utim (N. Y.) Globe
AMES M. OGDEN, Esq., of Indianapolis,
has interested himself in the pedigree of certain jokes of ancient lineage. Here. for example, are three generations of a jest which does not seem at all likely to die out:—
in an address at the seventh annual banquet of the Alumni Association of the Indiana Law School, which was given May 24, defined the duties of a lawyer, setting them off in separate divisions. Mr. Ogden is the lecturer in that school on Negotiable Instru ments, and the author of Ogden’s Negotiable
Instruments, recently published. "Lawyer's follows:—
Ten
Mr. Ogden's
Commandments"
are
as
Duties to Client 1. Be loyal to the interests of the client whose cause you have championed and in his cause be guided by high moral principle. Do not let the amount of your fee determine the amount of your industry. 2. Neither underestimate nor overrate the value of your advice and services in your client's behalf. Duties to Court 3. Be honest with, and respectful to, the court.
4. Do not depend on blufi or trick or pull to win a case but depend on thorough prepara tion. Duties to Public 5. Give a measure of your best legal ser vice to such public affairs as may best serve your community. Remember also to pro tect the defenseless and oppressed. 6. Never seek an unjustifiable delay. Neither render any service nor give any advice involving disloyalty to the law. Duties to Fellow Attorneys 7. Be friendly with and keep faith with the fellow members of the bar; publish their good characteristics rather than their short comings. Especially be on friendly terms with the young man starting in the legal profession and if necessary inconvenience yourself in order to encourage him. 8. Do not discuss your cases with the court in the absence of opposing counsel.
FIRST GENERATION (A. 1). 1880) The judge Kept His Word Judge Q—, who once presided over a criminal court down East, was famous as one of the most compassionate men who ever sat upon the bench. His softness of heart. however, did not prevent him from doing his duty as a judge. A man who had been convicted of stealing a small amount was brought into court for sentence. He looked very sad and hopeless, and the court was much moved by his contrite appearance. "Have you ever been sentenced to imprison ment?" the judge asked. “Never—never!" exclaimed the prisoner, burst ing into tears. "Don't cry--don't cry," said judge Q— con solingly. ‘You're going to be now!" — Youth’s Companion (1880). SECOND GENERATION
(A. D. 1895) Tears That Failed Sir Arthur felt was a formidable opponent at the bar, and on the bench has proved no less a success. He has a pretty wit, too. Once at Quarter Sessions. as recorder of Shnewsbury, he was sentenc ing a hypocritical prisoner, who, hopeful of soften the judge's heart, shed copious tears and in reply to his lordship's inquiry, "Have you ever been in prison before?" sobbed tearfully. “Never, my Lord, never!" “Well, don't cry." was the recorder's reply' "I'm going to send you there now." —London Golden Penny (1895). THIRD GENERATION (A. D. 1910) N0 Disappointment Here A man who had been convicted of stealing was brought before a certain “down East" judge, well known for his tender-heartedness, to be sentenced. “Have you ever been sentenced to imprisonment before?" asked the judge, not unkindly. "Never!" exclaimed the prisoner, suddenly bursting into tears. "Well, well, don't cry, my man," said his honor consolingly, "You're going to be now." —Evrrybady's Magasinc (1910).