I used to say that, as Solicitor General, I made three…
“I used to say that, as Solicitor General, I made three arguments of every case. First came the one that I planned-as I thought, logical, coherent, complete. Second was the one actually presented-interrupted, incoherent, disjointed, disappointing. The third was the utterly devastating argument that I thought of after going to bed that night.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
The speaker describes three argumentative strategies: a planned logical one, a flawed presented one, and a powerful but delayed one conceived after rest.
In simple terms: Three ways to argue a case.
Key Takeaway
Consider multiple perspectives and timing.
Themes
law
strategy
creativity
reflection
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
legal
strategic
When to use this quote
- courtroom advocacy
- legal preparation
- nighttime reflection
Key Concepts
argumentation
judicial process
critical thinking
Questions to Reflect On
- How can lawyers balance preparation with spontaneity?
- What is the value of post‑mortem insight?
A Different Perspective
The third argument may be impractical without preparation.