Lawsuits and Admiration

“There are many types of cases which call for eloquence, and in our republic many young men have won praise by speaking before the jurors, before the people, and before the senate. But the greatest admiration is inspired in lawsuits.  The method required here is twofold, as it consists of prosecution and of defence.  Defence is indeed more likely to win praise, but frequently too a prosecution is approved.” Cicero, On Duties II. 49. eds. and trans. M.T. Griffin and E.M. Atkins (Cambridge 1991), p. 81. 

Is there any doubt that Cicero was a lawyer?

 

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One Response to Lawsuits and Admiration

  1. Matthew Holmes says:

    Most great men are lawyers.

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