本文是一篇法庭辩护词,作者george graham (1830-1904) 是美国密苏里州的一个议员,是当时杰出的演讲家和辩论家。本篇是他早年从事法律工作时在法庭上所作,其时他为一位因狗被杀而起诉的人做辩护。辩护时,vest 没有要求任何证词,只是凭借其辩论就赢得了官司。他辩词的撼人之处在于:拿出人类兽性的一面与狗人性的一面作对比,引起法官们对狗的感激和同情,以及对杀狗人的强烈憎恶。这不仅仅是一篇辩护词,也是一篇优秀的讲演稿,更是对人性的呼唤……
gentlemen of the jury:
the best friend a man has in the world may turn against him and become his enemy. his son or daughter that he has reared with loving care may prove ungrateful. those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name may become traitors to their faith.