The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 10 (of 12) / Dresden Edition—Legal

A collection of courtroom addresses and legal arguments presented in several trials, comprising opening and closing speeches to juries and an equity argument before a vice-chancellor. The pieces review testimony and evidentiary detail, explain burdens of proof and legal doctrines such as corpus delicti and conspiracy, and counsel jurors on their duties. The speaker repeatedly stresses that suspicion is not evidence while closely analyzing witness statements and prosecutorial theory. Moral and civic reflections on honesty, national character, and accusations of corruption are woven into the advocacy, and rhetorical strategies are deployed to expose weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and to defend accused parties.