Scraps from the Notebook

of a Missouri Lawyer

There is no calling in life which affords to the observer so keen an insight into the human heart as that of the law. A man may, with a tolerable degree of ingenuity, succeed for a long time in concealing his true character—at least its shadows and minute vanities—from the world at large; indeed often from his most intimate friends. But he must be an adept in deception if he can deceive the keen sagacity of an able and experienced lawyer. When involved in a doubtful law suit, it is so absolutely necessary for the client to unbosom himself to his attorney that few can conceal from him their true motives and designs.

Some reason must be given by the client for his conduct, and a false reason is often a certain index to the true one. His virtues and his vices are often discovered without his being in the least aware of the disclosure he has involuntarily made. His private griefs—the personal piques—the ill-concealed passion, that the attorney is compelled to listen to, to soften, to moderate—the exaggerated statements, for which he must make all due allowances—the reluctant truth which he must draw forth to enable him to make a successful defence, all contribute to give him that knowledge of human character so essential to eminent success in this profession.

In the West where nearly all depends upon the verdict of the jury—who here have a discretion unknown in most of the older states—a knowledge of the character of the people is of the highest importance to the lawyer.

I never was so struck with this as in one of the earliest cases in which I was retained. My… Read More