Solon of Athens (c. 638 – c. 558 BC) is credited with three key inventions in the legal profession.
Around 505 BC the people of Athens came to him and said, "How do we know that the law really is what you say it is, and you're not just making it up as you go along?"
Solon replied, "I will have the laws engraved on large slabs of wood (called axones) and set up in the Prytaneum for all to read who can."
Thus he is credited with inventing the written code of laws.
This was a great help, but after a while Solon wanted to retire and travel the world, at least as far as sunny Egypt.
The people of Athens complained "If you go, who's going to help us figure out how those written laws apply?"
Solon replied, "Some of you must make it your work to read the law until you can apply it to any case."
Thus he is credited with inventing the profession of lawyer.
Solon enjoyed his retirement and travelling about.
Eventually, a delegation of lawyers from Athens caught up with him and complained "We are very unpopular, for when we lose a case our client is unhappy and when we win a case the other guy is. What should we do?"
Solon replied, "Well, I left town."
Thus he is credited with inventing the lawyer joke.
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
Ferguson no-trial shows strange conservative confidence in government
Like most of America, I don't know what really happened in Ferguson between Michael Brown and Officer Wilson, and I will never find out because there will be no trial.
However, I don't see why "conservatives" have so much faith in government that they don't want trials when a government official kills someone. The trial system has its flaws, but it is brings all the evidence out in an adversarial proceeding so both sides can point out its flaws.
However, I don't see why "conservatives" have so much faith in government that they don't want trials when a government official kills someone. The trial system has its flaws, but it is brings all the evidence out in an adversarial proceeding so both sides can point out its flaws.
The grand jury system does not do that, and is not designed to do it.
Some questions that will never be answered under oath and subject to cross-examination:
"Officer Wilson, have you ever met your victim before and if so, what was the nature of your interaction?
When you said that the victim 'bulked up' to run at you, were you describing a physical change in his body?
When you said that he reached inside his waistband as he was running at you, were you aware that he had no weapon in his waistband or anywhere else?
Did you fear for your life when he was running away from you?"
And perhaps the most relevant question:
"Assistant Prosecutor, when you lied to the jury about whether a cop can shoot a fleeing felon, did you do so in order to taint the process or merely because you are incompetent?"
These questions will now never be answered, and it's strange to see conservatives celebrate the silence in apparent confidence that government can be trusted
Tuesday, November 25, 2014
Be Thankful for free CLE - 4freeCLE: Free Continuing Legal Education! November 23, 2014
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)