You may hang these boys; you may hang them by the neck until they are dead. But in doing it you will turn your face toward the past.... I am pleading for the future. I am pleading for a time when hatred and cruelty will not control the hearts of men, when we can learn by reason and judgment and understanding and faith that all life is worth saving, and that mercy is the highest attribute of man.


Plea in defense of Richard Loeb and Nathan Leopold, Jr. [August 22,1924]

Clarence Darrow Quotes

You may hang these boys; you may hang them by the neck until they are dead. But in doing it you will turn your face toward the past.... I am pleading ...

You may hang these boys; you may hang them by the neck until they are dead. But in doing it you will turn your face toward the past.... I am pleading ...

You may hang these boys; you may hang them by the neck until they are dead. But in doing it you will turn your face toward the past.... I am pleading ...

You may hang these boys; you may hang them by the neck until they are dead. But in doing it you will turn your face toward the past.... I am pleading ...