Monday, September 24, 2007
Adversaries
Perhaps the most difficult aspect of training people in the art of advocacy is cultivating the ability to argue to a decision-maker rather than to argue with that person. An advocate serves her cause best, however, when she understands how to present the case to the court and the public. Even in an adversarial system, doing so requires respect for the authority of the officials entrusted with the matter. Engaging effectively with one’s adversary also doesn’t require hostility toward her. As Tranio said in Shakespeare’s Taming of the Shrew, “And do as adversaries do in law – strive mightily, but eat and drink as friends.”
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