Clarence Darrow: Crimes, Causes, and the Courtroom
A master of the courtroom stage, who possessed an uncanny understanding of human character, Clarence Darrow was arguably the greatest trial lawyer of the twentieth century. He was an adamant opponent of capital punishment and a passionate proponent of civil and human rights. Often called the "Attorney for the Damned," he fought for the underdog and took on criminal cases thought to be hopeless. Yet, while commanding respect as a trial lawyer, Darrow was often embroiled in bitter controversy for his unpopular stands on many issues and criticized for his purported unethical professional behavior.
This spellbinding and realistic character portrait of Darrow portrays his deeply held beliefs and hard-fought courtroom battles. Replete with humor, humanity and intense courtroom drama, the movie engages attendees in four of the great defense lawyer' s most famous cases between 1910 and 1928: Loeb and Leopold, Henry Sweet, the McNamara Brothers bombing of the LA Times Building and the Scopes "Monkey Trial." Using Darrow's own thoughts and courtroom summations, the movie explores timeless social, legal and ethical issues and provides a fresh and engaging tool to facilitate discussion of ethical behavior in and out of the courtroom.
CLE TIME: The webinar features the movie and a filmed panel discussion and runs 3 hours and 15 minutes (including a ten minute and a five minute break). The filmed panel discussion is moderated by Attorney Brian T. Guthrie. During this simu-live replay, attendees can also ask questions in a chat forum also moderated by Guthrie.
Throughout the webinar, this presentation deals with issues relating to the ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct, including:
Preamble: A Lawyer's Responsibilities
Rule 1.2: Scope of Representation and Allocation of Authority Between Lawyer and Client
Rule 1.6: Confidentiality
Rule 1.7: Conflict of Interest: General Rule
Rule 1.13: Organizational Clients
Rule 2.1: Advisor
Rule 3.5: Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
Rule 5.1: Responsibilities of a Partner, Managing Lawyer or Supervisory Lawyer
Rule 5.2: Responsibilities of a Subordinate Lawyer
Rule 5.3: Responsibilities Regarding Nonlawyer Assistants
Rule 8.3: Reporting Professional Misconduct
Disclaimer: All views or opinions expressed by any presenter during the course of this CLE is that of the presenter alone and not an opinion of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the employers, or affiliates of the presenters unless specifically stated. Additionally, any materials, including the legal research, are the product of the individual contributor, not the Oklahoma Bar Association. The Oklahoma Bar Association makes no warranty, express or implied, relating to the accuracy or content of these materials.