Clarence Darrow was a prominent American lawyer in the early 20th century known for defending controversial clients like John T. Scopes in the Scopes Monkey Trial. The correct spelling of his name is /ˈklærəns ˈdærəʊ/ (klar-əns dar-oh), with the first syllable pronounced like "claire" and the second like "dance." The "w" in "darrow" is silent, and the final "e" is pronounced like a long "o." Remembering this phonetic pronunciation can help avoid common spelling mistakes when writing about Darrow's life and work.
Clarence Darrow was an American lawyer and prominent figure in the field of criminal defense in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born in 1857, Darrow gained recognition for his skills as a trial attorney and his progressive views on social issues. He is particularly renowned for his involvement in several high-profile cases that shaped American legal history.
Darrow's legal career spanned over five decades, during which he championed causes such as labor rights, civil liberties, and the abolition of the death penalty. His reputation as a brilliant defense attorney was solidified with cases like the Leopold and Loeb trial, in which he successfully argued against capital punishment for two young murderers. Additionally, Darrow is remembered for his defense of John T. Scopes in the Scopes Monkey Trial, a landmark case that contested the teaching of evolution in public schools.
Beyond his legal accomplishments, Clarence Darrow was known for his wit, eloquence, and passionate advocacy for the underprivileged. He staunchly opposed discrimination and fought for justice for those marginalized by society. His speeches and writings on topics such as free speech, atheism, and civil liberties continue to be studied and revered by legal scholars and activists.
Clarence Darrow's legacy is one of legal brilliance, social activism, and a commitment to protecting the rights of individuals. His impact on the American legal system and his contributions to the advancement of civil liberties are widely recognized and esteemed.
The word "Clarence Darrow" is not derived from any specific etymology as it is a proper noun, referring to the American lawyer and civil liberties advocate Clarence Darrow. Proper nouns do not have etymologies in the same sense as common nouns, which have origins and linguistic histories. Instead, the name "Clarence Darrow" originated from the combination of the given name "Clarence" and the surname "Darrow", which were likely chosen by Clarence Darrow's ancestors for personal or cultural reasons.