Ladies And Gentlemen Of The Jury: Greatest Closing Arguments In Modern Law

So the best use of this book is to read and learn about the argument craft of 9 great lawyers. I say 9 despite the title of 10, but one fitting attorney garnered two entries, and one of those was for a case wherein he was the Defendant. Most of the cases involve criminal law. Most important civil case (in fact the only one one I believe is Silkwood—a Meryl Streep movie) was argued by Gerry Spence who has taught great lawyering skills to more attorneys than anyone. The book contains more than just the closing arguments but as well as the stories behind the cases. Almost every case is incredibly well known. There is a CA bias, but the author/editor is a CA lawyer (and now Ventura County Judge) so that is understandable. Only one female Attorney and that was by the first woman lawyer in CA history. I highly recommend this book. Great for young lawyers just starting out. One point would be a follow-up to greatest appellate arguments, as all of these cases were to trial courts.

Until you actually sit and read a closing argument, or a series of them, it is impossible to understand why some lawyers rise to the top of their profession and some wash out like discarded debris. The collection of closing arguments here show how these women and men not only encouraged justice but actually represented justice. Their tools were their words, their swords of logic and reason cutting through to the heart of the matter to make a complicated issue seem like common sense. These lawyers have a commitment to their profession and to their clients that should redeem what many would see as the irredeemable reputation of lawyers everywhere. If we have covered these closing arguments in law school I might have actually gone to practice. And the authors do a fantastic job of providing the context necessary to conceptualize the importance of these cases, what was at stake, and how each represented critical moments in American history. This was a fascinating book, equal to any prose on the best seller list right now.

The book is very easy to read and the cases are really well detailed. Received second hand very quickly and of good quality

If you enjoy the many court room dramas on tv and in the movies you'll like this book since the speeches are both riveting and real.

a good book

Gift for my pre-law student granddaughter

This book is a real keeper. The individual Attorneys arguing their various cases offers the reader a unique view into the minds of these trial Attorneys. The book is well written and entertaining. I highly recommend purchase.

Interesting history. The arguments are also interesting and instructive.