Clarence Darrow

Date of Birth: April 18, 1857

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: March 13, 1938

Biography

Clarence Seward Darrow was born on April 18, 1857, in Kinsman, Ohio. He became one of the most famous and influential lawyers in American history, particularly known for his defense of controversial and high-profile cases. Darrow’s legal career spanned several decades, during which he championed civil liberties and labor rights. He was a prominent member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and is best known for his role in the Scopes “Monkey” Trial in 1925, where he defended John T. Scopes, a high school teacher accused of teaching evolution in violation of Tennessee law. Darrow’s eloquent arguments in defense of scientific inquiry and free speech left a lasting impact on American jurisprudence. He also defended the teenage thrill-killers Nathan Leopold and Richard Loeb in 1924, securing life sentences instead of the death penalty for his clients. Darrow passed away on March 13, 1938, in Chicago, Illinois, leaving behind a legacy as a champion of justice and human rights.

5 Interesting Facts about Clarence Darrow

1. Clarence Darrow initially pursued a career in education before turning to law.

2. He was a staunch opponent of capital punishment, and his advocacy contributed to the abolition of the death penalty in several states.

3. Darrow was involved in the defense of labor leaders during the Haymarket Affair and the Pullman Strike.

4. He authored several books, including “Resist Not Evil” and “The Story of My Life,” which reflect his legal philosophy and experiences.

5. Despite his controversies, Darrow was widely admired for his wit, oratory skills, and commitment to social justice.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Clarence Darrow

1. “The best that we can do is to be kindly and helpful toward our friends and fellow passengers who are clinging to the same speck of dirt while we are drifting side by side to our common doom.”

2. “I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure.”

3. “You can only protect your liberties in this world by protecting the other man’s freedom. You can only be free if I am free.”

4. “The trouble with law is lawyers.”

5. “No other offense has ever been visited with such severe penalties as seeking to help the oppressed.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Clarence Darrow’s highest net worth is not precisely documented, but as a prominent lawyer in his time, he was considered relatively affluent. However, he often took on cases for little or no fee, prioritizing justice over financial gain.

Children

Clarence Darrow had one son, Paul Darrow. Paul chose not to follow in his father’s footsteps in law and politics, and instead pursued a career in business.