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serve all argument until all the evidence is given.
The affirmative then opens, is followed by the
other side, and is replied to by the affirmative.
Both sides may submit the case without an argu
ment, as may either side, whether the other does
or not. As a general rule, do not submit your
case without comment. Be sure that the jury
understand it, so far as they can be made to;
and it may be useful to the court also. As often
as I have submitted a case without argument, I
have bad occasion to regret it.
II.
Whatever may be vulgarly said or thought
of the office and importance of argument, there
can be but one opinion among lawyers and en
lightened minds. Nothing tends so effectually to
a just comprehension and a right understanding
of any controverted matter as a thorough discus
sion of it by men who fully understand it, and
who are properly trained for this labor—men who
kick and knock it about, and show all sides of it.
Of course the respective counsel cannot be sup
posed to be without ample information upon every
part of the case, so far as proof has been produced,
and no one can be so well prepared to hold up and
exhibit the questions involved in every light re