The
Art of Persuasion: Classical Rhetoric for Lawyers
Harold A. Lloyd
Spring 2023
(1-18-2023)
Involving the art of ethical persuasion, rhetoric is central
not only to the good practice of law but to good social
life as well. Litigation, negotiation, public
speaking as well as interactions with clients, colleagues, friends, teachers,
students, government, and all others encountered in daily life can benefit from
proper and effective rhetoric. Additionally, rhetoric is much more than style, though style is
an important part of rhetoric. The basic
principles of Rhetoric were refined by the ancient Greeks and Romans who understood
its critical role in good citizenship, good government,
and in the good life. In this
course, we will study these basic principles of
persuasion and their application to the materials set forth below, and we will
practice putting these principles into application with the hope of not only
improving legal skills but life skills as well.
