Course of Conduct Quotes

“Well, normally, where a struggle has occurred, we see signs—broken furniture, things turned over, detritus on the floor—like that.”
― James Chandler, Course of Conduct

“Some people still believe the pursuit of truth is the endgame,” Daniels began. “Not so. Our system is built upon the pursuit of justice—a very different thing. If all we wanted was truth, facts would be all that mattered. If that were the case, the fact that your client killed her husband would be all that mattered. Game over.” He drank from the glass, smacked his lips, and wiped his mouth with the back of his hands. “The genius of our system is that in seeking justice, the facts are only a part of the equation. You’ve got the law.”
― James Chandler, Course of Conduct

“guess I’m starting to think twice about it, is all. I need a client I can believe in.” “Oh, stop!” Daniels spread his arms like he was declaring a runner safe. “That’s first year CrimLaw shit, there. Defendants—ninety-five percent of ’em, anyway—are guilty as hell. I know it; you know it; hell, the defendants damned sure know it. The only people who don’t know it are the people sitting on their couches from eight to nine every night watching television. We’re out for justice here, not truth. You forget that?” “Maybe I haven’t forgotten it as much as I’m getting tired of it.” “Naw, you’re just having a little pretrial anxiety, is all. We all get it.” “I’ve been in tougher spots than this.”
― James Chandler, Course of Conduct

“Thank you, I think. I just think maybe I’m burning out with criminal law,” Sam said. “I’m thinking maybe I could do some wills, trusts and estates—stuff like that.” “Good work. I figure you got maybe four or five years of that, then that area will be totally consumed by out-of-state law firms, artificial intelligence, and online idiots,” Daniels said.”
― James Chandler, Course of Conduct

“Word’s gotten out and that’s one reason why they are having a hell of a time finding young lawyers who want to take this on.” He took another sip and raised a forefinger. Sam could tell he was in for a lecture. “Young people don’t want what rural areas have to offer. What they want is a bougie suburban lifestyle—just close enough to the city to claim some knowledge of culture and diversity, but not close enough to have to put up with the traffic, smog, and shit-covered streets,” Daniels said. Sam smirked but didn’t interrupt, which Daniels took as a sign to continue. “Nope,” he said, shaking his head. “Most young lawyers want to be law clerks or environmental lawyers—whatever the hell that is—or patent attorneys or anything where they can call themselves an attorney and not have to go into a courtroom, think on their feet, and face a live adversary and the possibility of losing. That’s why when we get a guy like you—a guy with the ability to do what needs to be done on a client’s behalf—we ride you hard and put you away wet.”
― James Chandler, Course of Conduct

“prima facie case.”
― James Chandler, Course of Conduct

“You listen to me, you’ll end up with a good woman,” she replied. “You follow your own instincts and I’m telling you it’ll be five-foot-seven inches of gorgeous and one hundred thirty pounds of crazy.”
― James Chandler, Course of Conduct

“New Year’s Eve is amateur night—good, solid professional boozers stay home that night.”
― James Chandler, Course of Conduct