Richard Finch Attorney: Uncovering the Truth Behind Clarence Darrow's Controversial Life

Clarence Darrow, often referred to as the greatest trial lawyer in American history, has long been shrouded in controversy. Despite his legendary status, many of the facts about his life and work have been distorted or omitted. A newly discovered collection of letters written by Darrow himself has shed new light on his tempestuous relationships with notable figures such as Debs, Jane Addams, and Edgar Lee Masters.

One letter in particular comes close to being a confession, revealing that Darrow instructed his son Paul to pay a $4,500 bribe to a member of the Los Angeles jury during his trial for bribing the same jury. The letters also suggest that Darrow 'almost certainly' bribed two jurors during his defense of union men accused of blowing up the Los Angeles Times building in 1910.

Darrow's involvement in schemes to bribe witnesses is another area where new evidence has come to light. For example, he joined a scheme to bribe witnesses during the 1907 trial of union leader Big Bill Haywood, who was accused of ordering the assassination of the anti-union governor of Idaho.

The discovery of these letters has been attributed to Darrow's granddaughter, who found them in her basement several years ago. The letters were written to and by Darrow, and their contents are a far cry from the sanitized version of his life presented in previous biographies.

In fact, Irving Stone's 1941 biography 'Clarence Darrow for the Defense' omitted unsavory details out of deference to Darrow's family, who cooperated with the author. Similarly, John A. Stone's 1989 biography 'Clarence Darrow, Attorney for the Damned' made some claims that were later disputed.

Darrow's autobiography, published in 1932, is also marred by misstatements and deliberate omissions. As a result, many of us have a faulty image of his life and work, based on a combination of facts, lies, and half-truths.

Fortunately, authors like Farrell have worked to set the record straight. A senior writer for the Center for Public Integrity and former Boston Globe and Denver Post reporter, Farrell has written extensively about Darrow's life and work. His latest book is a comprehensive biography that provides a more accurate portrait of this complex and controversial figure.

In conclusion, Clarence Darrow was a brilliant lawyer who made a significant impact on American legal history. However, his legacy has been clouded by controversy and distortion. The discovery of these new letters provides a rare glimpse into the life of this enigmatic figure, and serves as a reminder that even the most legendary individuals can have complex and multifaceted personalities.

Richard finch attorney