Abstruseness in expression is very frequently regarded as an
indication of profundity. Nevertheless, persist in a clear and simple
style. Make the statement of your case and the argument in support of
your propositions so lucid and plain that the judge or jury will say:
"Why, of course, that is so. What is the use of the young man stating
that?"
The study of Abraham Lincoln's speeches will be very helpful. Two or
three of Roscoe Conkling's arguments after he left the Senate are
models of perspicuity. Mr. Potter's argument in the legal tender cases
is a model--it is Euclid stated in terms of the law. Webster's
arguments you will study, of course. Blackstone is one of the clearest
writers who ever illustrated the great science to which you and I are
devoted. Perhaps as great a logician as ever lived was the Apostle
Paul; read him as a master of logical utterance.
Never be ponderous; never be florid. At the same time, never be dry.
Be clear; be pointed; be luminous. I remember having heard both sides
of a case argued before an eminent Federal Judge. One of the lawyers
made a long, turgid, "profound"--and musty--argument; proceeding like
a draft-horse from mile-post to mile-post, until the alert mind of the
judge was almost frantic with impatience.
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