Clarence Darrow Quotes
A collection of quotes by Clarence Darrow.
Clarence Darrow (1857–1938) was an American lawyer and leading figure in the realm of criminal defense during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He is renowned for his impressive courtroom skills and notable involvement in several high-profile cases that tackled contentious social issues of the time.
Born in Ohio, Darrow graduated from the University of Michigan Law School in 1878 and began his legal career in Ashtabula, Ohio. He gained recognition for his advocacy of workers' rights and his representation of labor unions in a time of intense labor disputes.
Darrow's most famous and pivotal case came in 1925 when he defended John T. Scopes in the Scopes Monkey Trial. This trial focused on the teaching of evolution in public schools, and Darrow's efforts to defend Scopes against charges of violating state law symbolized the conflict between science and religious fundamentalism.
Throughout his career, Darrow opposed the death penalty and passionately fought for social justice, taking on cases involving civil rights, freedom of speech, and unpopular causes. His commitment to defending unpopular clients and his passionate courtroom rhetoric earned him both admiration and criticism from fellow lawyers and the public alike.
Outside the courtroom, Darrow wrote thought-provoking essays and gave powerful speeches on topics such as inequality, education, and criminal justice reform. His numerous publications include books like "Resist Not Evil" and "The Story of My Life."
Clarence Darrow's legacy endures as an influential legal figure who passionately fought for justice, challenged societal norms, and defended the rights and freedoms of individuals.
