The stories in I Remember Atticus: Inspiring Stories Every Trial Lawyer Should Know range from ancient to contemporary, exploring the origins of our modern civil justice system and revealing its deep spiritual and philosophical roots. Author Jim M. Perdue takes inspiration from Atticus Finch of To Kill a Mockingbird to remind us of the qualities of faith, freedom, equality, courage, and perseverance that inform the American spirit—values without which justice cannot prevail. In this entertaining and instructive book, we learn of a prophet who divines a rule of legal procedure so fundamental today that many lawyers do not know its ancient origins. We see a single brave juror more than three centuries ago lead his fellows to defy the authorities and go to jail rather than deliver a false verdict.
We read of a courageous lawyer defending a man condemned and convicted by the forces of wealth and power before even being tried. We begin to understand the true meaning of heroism when we read of a judge who ignores the malicious bigotry of his community to set aside an unjust verdict. And we learn what perseverance means from the actions of a small group of taxpayers enduring the most trying of circumstances in a quest for equality that transforms American society. These and other stories help us appreciate the unique role of the citizen jury in our democracy. Though he struggled in vain for his client and his cause, Atticus Finch fought to make the jury system work because he knew that the independent jury is fundamental to our freedoms. Perdue's stories remind us why.
I Remember Atticus is more than a collection of inspiring stories. It is also an indispensable resource for the trial lawyer seeking more effective persuasion techniques. Perdue gives generously of his wealth of trial experience to show how novices and veterans alike may use our core values for practical advocacy. He does so in a way that entertains, informs, and inspires.
- Letter from the President-Elect of the State Bar of Texas
- Acknowledgments
- Introduction
- Faith
- Freedom
- Equality
- Courage
- Perseverance
- Facts Every Trial Lawyer Should Know
- Inspiring with Your Trial Story
- Notes
- Selected Bibliography
- Index