Clarence Darrow: Crimes, Causes and the Courtroom

LIVE WEBCAST
Clarence Darrow:
Crimes, Causes
and the Courtroom
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Only via Live Webcast
Presented by South Carolina Bar
in Partnership with Periaktos Productions, LLC
L I T IG AT ION A ND T RI A L P R AC T IC E
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
E THICS
A master of the courtroom stage who possessed an
uncanny understanding of human character, Clarence
Darrow was arguably the great 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 he was 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 hardfought 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,
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 show explores timeless social,
legal and ethical issues and provides a fresh and
provocative tool to facilitate audience discussion.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER
Graham Thatcher, who portrays Clarence Darrow,
is the Artistic Director and primary performer
for Periaktos Productions. Since appearing in his
first acting role at five years of age, Graham has
performed in or directed over 150 community,
university and professional theatre productions.
He is the co-author and solo performer in Clarence
Darrow: Crimes, Causes and the Courtroom, Maxims,
Monarchy and Sir Thomas More and Impeach
Justice Douglas!, the live CLE Theatre programs
and CLE movies of the same titles presented by
Periaktos Productions. He is the co-author and
director of Thurgood Marshall’s Coming!, also
from Periaktos Productions. Graham has authored
several other plays, including A Dickens Christmas
and The Mask of the Jaguar, about the cultural
clash between the Maya and Europeans during the
Spanish Conquest, and works on commission.
Graham also serves as a workshop facilitator
and consultant in communication and he is the
creator and facilitator of the CLE programs, “Word
of Mouth: A Workshop in the Art and Ethics of Oral
Communication for Lawyers” and “The Art of the
Law: A Workshop in Professionalism for Lawyers.”
MCLE/JCLE/LEPR CREDIT
3.0 MCLE credit hours,
including up to 3.0 LEPR credit hours.
LITIGATION & TRIAL PRACTICE LITIGATION & TRIAL PRACTICE
WHAT ATTENDEES ARE SAYING ABOUT THIS SHOW
AGENDA
“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
Former Chief Justice Supreme Court of GA
“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
12:00 p.m. Act I, Scene 1: Loeb and Leopold Trial
Preamble: A Lawyer’s Responsibilities
Rule 1.2: Scope of Representation and Allocation of
Authority Between Lawyer and Client
Rule 1.5: Fees
Rule 1.7: Conflict of Interest: General Rule
Act I, Scene 2: Henry Sweet Trial
Preamble: A Lawyer’s Responsibilities
Rule 1.2: Scope of Representation and Allocation of
Authority Between Client and Lawyer
Rule 3.8: Special Responsibilities of a Prosecutor
Rule 6.1: Pro Bono Publico Representation
12:55 p.m. Ten-Minute Intermission
1:05 p.m. Act II, Scene 1: McNamara Trial
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
Act II, Scene 2: Scopes Trial
Preamble: A Lawyer’s Responsibilities
Rule 1.2: Scope of Representation and Allocation of
Authority Between Client and Lawyer
Rule 3.5: Impartiality and Decorum of the Tribunal
Rule 3.6: Trial Publicity
Rule 3.7: Lawyer as Witness
Rule 6.1: Pro Bono Publico Representation
Rule 7.2: Advertising
“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 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
“This was an extraordinary experience - not your usual
run-of-the-mill CLE. Your relationship with the audience
was incredible. We were with you from start to finish and
the rapport was ‘otherworldly.’”
Yvette Leerskoff Gardner
Past President, Wichita Bar Association
“The script is outstanding, and Thatcher’s performance
exceptional and compelling!”
Kenneth Tilsen, Esquire
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
Past President, South Dakota Bar Association
Registration Fee:
SC Bar Members............................................ $159
Non-Members................................................ $189
1:55 p.m. Stretch Break
2:00 p.m. Panel Discussion and Online Chat Room Discussion
3:15 p.m. Adjourn
For questions call (803) 771-0333 or (800) 768-7787.