Charles Russell, Baron Russell of Killowen (1832-1900) was a very successful barrister who later became Chief Justice of England, the first Catholic in centuries to hold that office. This biography by Richard Barry O'Brien (1847-1918) a lawyer, journalist and author of many books on Ireland, has many colorful anecdotes about Russell, excerpts from his cross-examinations and summations and recollections of other barristers. For instance:
"'I once,' says a barrister, 'had an opportunity of realising the effect which Russell must have always produced on juries. I came into Court just as he was about to speak in some great case the particulars of which I now forget. I got near the jury box, and had a good view of him--could see every expression, every gesture, every glance. I then realised for the first time what a splendid man he was, what an impressive personality. I forget what he said. I could not tell you whether the speech was good or bad. But I don't forget Russell; he appears before me now as vividly as when I saw him on that day. He seemed to me to be quite irresistible, not for anything he said, but for the whole appearance and demeanour of the man.'
And this:
"'To what do you ascribe Russell's great success?' a friend said to Lord Coleridge; 'he does not seem to me to possess more remarkable qualities than other eminent men, to be a better speaker, to have more intellectual power; how does he do it?' 'He imposes himself upon the jury and the Court,' was the answer: and his Lordship added, 'He is the biggest advocate of the century.'
'Ordinarily,' says a shrewd observer, 'the judge dominates the jury, the counsel the public--he is the central figure of the piece. But when Russell is there, the judge isn't in it. Russell dominates every one.'
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