Life, 1911-12-21 · page 33 of 44
Life — December 21, 1911 — page 33: what you’re looking at
What you’re looking at
This is a humorous anecdote about lawyer James T. Brown of Greensburg, Indiana, who loses a case by over-complicating his argument. Brown speaks for two hours using excessive Latin and Greek legal terminology to a rural jury of ordinary farmers and a judge unfamiliar with such technicalities. The jury and court are baffled ("mouths open"). After losing, Brown sarcastically moves for a new trial, claiming the judge and jury couldn't understand his Greek references—essentially insulting the court's intelligence. The judge fines him five dollars for contempt of court. **The satire:** This mocks pretentious lawyers who use obscure jargon to impress rather than persuade, and highlights the gap between educated professionals and common people. Brown's comeuppance suggests that clarity and respect for one's audience matter more than verbose erudition. The irony is that Brown's own arrogance—not the judge's ignorance—caused his defeat.
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Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.
A Saucy Lawyer mes T. Brown ot Greensburg, Ind., t and sai lawyer, was once em- ployed to defend a case before the Cir- cuit Court of his State. The judge was not very learned in technicalities, knew but little Latin and much less Greek The jury was taken from the country, ordinary farmers. The plaintiff’s coun- sel had opened. Brown rose and spoke two hours in the highest possible style, soaring aloft, repeating Latin and trans- lating € . the technical 0 the end of his t with their mouths open, the judge looked on with ze- ment, and the lawyers laughed aloud. Brown closed; the ease was submitted to the jury without one word of reply. Verdict in the box against Brown; tion for a new trial. In the m rd pk ghey lg or | Franklin Model D rise this morning to move for a new “T if 1” trial, not on my own account; I richly deserve the verdict, but on behalf of he Car Beauti ul my client, who is an innocent party in “ ” y tion and rose above the ory. I saw at the time it was all Greek turkey-tracks to you and the jury. This morning I Embodying to the utmost Franklin quality and Franklin beauty of design. nd I promise the Court, vant to e nt me a new trial, I will i chension cine ithe court ee The Franklin is the standard for Motion overruled, and a fine of five dollars against Mr. Brown riding comfort. Tire service is another for contempt of court tained “For what?” feature. soners, “For insinuating that this Court don’ pstrae Bees sniniesing MibatsiWtssoGrsidanl We have a tabulated report from * bee | many owners showing absolute freedom mak, from tire blow-outs, together with a 868 actual mileage obtained, which we will nam u mail on request. rough f an mer: Wate for our new catalogue Call, FRANKLIN AUTOMOBILE COMPANY Syracuse, N.Y. kngw Latin and Greck from turkey- tracks.” “I shall not appeal from that deci- sion. Your Honor has comprehended me this time.” A Full House said an actor to HT adopt to fill the house “Invite your credi- was the surly reply. MALL THE WORLD'S A STAGH 147 comicbooks.com