The Speeches of Frank M. Coffin: A Sideline to Judging

The Authors of this Article are engaged in a separate project to publish the full collection of law-related speeches delivered by Judge Coffin during his tenure on the bench. That collection in its entirety consists of more than 125 speeches, and it is a treasure trove of thoughts on the judiciary as an institution, the law, judging, the legal profession, legal education, and legal luminaries past and present. The speeches are also worthy of study purely as examples of communication, advocacy, speechcraft, composition, humor, and whimsy. Within the confines of this Article, the modest goal is to provide samples of the delights that await the lawyer, judge, public speaker or citizen who turns to the full collection for guidance and inspiration in pursuing the cause of justice or merely in crafting a memorable speech.

Few will ever equal Judge Coffin’s ability to shape words to serve a purpose and motivate action.