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 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. He was often called the "Attorney for the Damned", because 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.

Clarence Darrow: Crimes, Causes and the Courtroom is a spellbinding and realistic character portrait of Darrow and his deeply held beliefs and hard fought courtroom battles. This solo performance by Graham Thatcher, replete with humor, humanity, and intense courtroom drama, engages the audience in four of the great defense lawyer's most famous cases between 1910 and 1928 - Loeb and Leopold, the Sweet Case, the McNamara Brothers bombing of the LA Times Building and the Scopes "Monkey Trial." Using Darrow's own thoughts and courtroom summations, the show explores timeless social, legal and ethical issues issues and provides a fresh and provocative tool to facilitate classroom or conference discussion.

 

What Your Colleagues Are Saying . . .

"On behalf of the Commission I express appreciation to you for the outstanding performance of Clarence Darrow: Crimes, Causes and the Courtroom at the 1996 Convocation on Professionalism!"
Robert Benham, Chief Justice, Supreme Court of GA

"The script is outstanding and Thatcher's performance exceptional and compelling!"
Kenneth Tilsen, Attorney, St. Paul, MN

"The work you did . . . was extraordinary . . . It was an inspiring and moving performance not to be missed."
Robert Sheran, Associate Justice, Retired, Minnesota Supreme Court

"I was deeply moved by the play and impressed by the scope of what you . . . did. It is my hope that Darrow may be used as both entertainment . . . and for discussion of personal values and professional ethics with lawyers and law students."
Rosalie Wahl, Chief Justice, Retired, Supreme Court of Minnesota

"Your play was magnificent! Congratulations on your incredible performance . . . It is a wonderful teaching tool! "
Janiene Beauchene, Student, Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, MN

". . . A powerful, thought-provoking play. Students and professors alike should appreciate the opportunity to pay heed to
some of the broader issues facing members of the profession . . . "
Barry R. Vickrey, Dean, University of South Dakota School of Law

"I have nothing but the highest praise for Darrow . . . "
Jay Erstling, Director, Legal Studies Program, University of St. Thomas. St. Paul, MN

"We have received nothing but positive feedback from your production [about Darrow]!"
Brian T. Bonney, Attorney at Law, Contra Costa County Bar Association, CA

"Theatre is a powerful and effective teaching medium and it is an excellent vehicle for teaching about the law. Thank you for . . . this exceptional production."
Alice Silkey, Director of Legal Writing, Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, MN

"Powerful, interesting and enlightening . . . I recommend your play to law schools, bar associations and other gatherings of lawyers."
Thomas W. Porter, Counselor at Law, Boston, MASS

"[Your] overview of Clarence Darrow's life is nothing short of inspired and inspirational."
Todd A. Schweiger, Attorney at Law, Black Hills Legal Services, Rapid City, SD.

"Thanks . . . for an exceptional event. I highly recommend this work for those concerned about professionalism and ethics in American culture."
Marie Failinger, Professor, Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, MN

"Thank you for your presentation . . . Several colleagues told me they have never learned so much while being entertained! It was the highlight of our convention!"
Thomas G. Fritz, President, South Dakota Bar Association

"I commend you for the important work you are doing in developing innovative, effective programs for teaching Ethics and Professionalism."
Cliff Brashier, Executive Director, Georgia Commission on Continuing Lawyer Competency


 

Clarence Darrow: Crimes, Causes and the Courtroom has been approved for CLE credit (including Professionalism and Ethics credit) in several states. Performances and related study materials are available for law school and legal conference programs. We are happy to assist in filing a CLE application for your organization.

 

Clients Include . . .

  • Black Hills Legal Services, Pennington County, SD
  • Chief Justice's Commission on Professionalism, Atlanta, GA
  • Contra Costa County Bar Association, CA
  • Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul, MN
  • Institute of CLE of Georgia
  • Legal Studies Program, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, MN
  • Management Center, University of St. Thomas , St. Paul, MN
  • Mercer University School of Law, Macon, GA
  • State Bar of South Dakota
  • University of South Dakota School of Law
  • Volunteer Lawyers Network, Hennepin County, MN
  • U. S. Military Academy, West Point
  • William Mitchell College of Law, St. Paul, MN
  • Wyoming State Bar Association

  • Clarence Darrow: Crimes, Causes & the Courtroom
    © 1994, Anna Marie and Graham Thatcher
    "Clarence Darrow" Drawing © Regula Russelle
     

     

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