Philadelphia lawyer

For the song, see Woody Guthrie discography.
An illustration of Andrew Hamilton defending John Peter Zenger in the 1730s

“Philadelphia lawyer” is a term to describe a lawyer who knows the most detailed and minute points of law or is an exceptionally competent lawyer. Its first known usage dates back to 1788.[1]

Philadelphia-based Colonial American lawyer Andrew Hamilton, a lawyer best known for his legal victory on behalf of printer and newspaper publisher John Peter Zenger, is believed to have inspired the "Philadelphia lawyer" term. This 1735 decision helped to establish that truth is a defense to an accusation of libel.[2]

  • The Woody Guthrie song "Philadelphia lawyer" is based on a Philadelphia lawyer who ventures west, falls in love with a woman in Hollywood, and is betrayed by her.[3]
  • New Zealand politician Winston Peters is known to refer to members of the press, such as Jack Tame, as a "Philadelphia lawyer" implying a negative connotation for being tricky and catching onto minute things.[4]

See also

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Look up Philadelphia lawyer in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.

References

  1. ^ Philadelphia lawyer. Definition at Merriam-Webster
  2. ^ "Philadelphia lawyer". Word for the Wise. Merriam-Webster. 2006-12-21. Retrieved 2017-02-04.
  3. ^ "Philadelphia Lawyer" at Woody Guthrie official website
  4. ^ "Jack Tame got called a 'Philadelphia lawyer'. But is that an insult?". 1News. Retrieved 2024-04-22.
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