Chapters 11 and 12 Summary and Analysis

Some attorneys believe that oral arguments are a formality but the Justices use the opportunity to question lines of reasoning. It's noted that some attorneys view those questions as interruptions of their speech when they should see it as an opportunity to persuade. Lawyers, it's noted, should not be overconfident or ill-prepared and should present facts as opposed to "lofty" ideas. Fortes is familiar with the Court's methods but Jacob spends the days prior to the meeting worrying about many minor points. He says that he's struck by the "pomp" of the building and the formality of the crier who opens the proceedings, but is equally struck by the informality of the proceedings.

The Justices seated on the day of Gideon's case are Arthur J. Goldberg, Byron R. White, Potter Stewart, William J. Brennan, Jr., John Marshall Harlan who...