When he became a lawyer, he was proficient in law, eloquent and famous in the local area. Many people came to him for help in the lawsuit. But he defended the client on one condition, that is, the client must be a fair party. Many poor people have no money to pay for their labor, but just tell Lincoln: "I am just, please help me to do justice." Lincoln will defend him for free.
Once, a rich man asked Lincoln to defend him. After listening to the client's statement, Lincoln found that the man was framing a good man, so he said, "I'm sorry, I can't defend you because your behavior is unfair."
The man said, "Mr. Lincoln, I just want you to help me fight this unfair lawsuit." As long as I win the case, you can ask for any reward. "
Lincoln said seriously: "As long as you use a little skill in court defense, your case is easy to win, but the case itself is unfair." If I take your case, when I stand in front of the judge and speak, I will say to myself,' Lincoln, you are lying.' Lies can only be said out loud when you lose your conscience. I can't lose my conscience and I can't lie. So ask someone else. I can't help you "
The man listened and left Lincoln's office silently without saying a word.
Extended data
Personality achievement
Sign the homestead law
1862 In May, Lincoln signed the Homestead Law, which stipulated that every American citizen could acquire 160 acres of land in the west only by paying the registration fee of 10, and become the legal owner of this land after five years of continuous farming. This measure fundamentally prevented the expansion of slavery in the south to the west, and at the same time met the urgent demands of farmers, which greatly stimulated the enthusiasm of farmers for heroic struggle.
Draft the emancipation proclamation.
1862 in September, Lincoln personally drafted the emancipation proclamation (draft).
1863 65438+ 10 1 formally promulgated the Slave Emancipation Act, announcing that slavery in rebel states will be abolished from now on, and slaves in the territory under the rebellion of the United States of America should enjoy freedom. Emancipated slaves can be called up to join the federal army. The declaration of slave freedom fundamentally disintegrated the fighting capacity of the confederate army and gave the northern army a powerful source of soldiers.
Baidu Encyclopedia-abraham lincoln