The Attorney for the Defense's primary photo
  • The Attorney for the Defense (1915)
  • Short | Short, Drama
Primary photo for The Attorney for the Defense
The Attorney for the Defense (1915)
Short | Short, Drama
Frederic Stratton, a young lawyer, accepts the case of one Basset, charged with the murder of his employer, Mrs. Hamlin. Stratton knows that strong evidence points to Basset's guilt, but thinks that a victory in this case will greatly ...See moreFrederic Stratton, a young lawyer, accepts the case of one Basset, charged with the murder of his employer, Mrs. Hamlin. Stratton knows that strong evidence points to Basset's guilt, but thinks that a victory in this case will greatly increase his reputation. Ruth Wingate, his fiancée, is a girl of high moral principles, who is horrified when she learns that Stratton has taken the case of the notorious murderer. Stratton leads her to believe that he knows the man to be innocent, and Ruth praises him for championing the cause of one unjustly accused. Stratton succeeds in winning Basset's acquittal on a technicality, and as a result is called to another city to assist in a similar case, his reputation is assured. Joe White, Ruth's chauffeur, meets with an accident, and Basset applies for the position. In pity and believing Stratton's statement that he was innocent, Ruth engages him. When Stratton learns in a letter that Ruth has employed the murderer, he is filled with apprehension. Almost distracted, he starts for home. Basset has failed to divide the spoils of his crime with his two pals, and they plan to be revenged. While he is driving Ruth on a lonely road, the two crooks waylay him. Basset is shot and the uncontrolled car dashes over the edge of a bridge. Ruth and Basset, both badly injured, are found by the occupants of another car. Ruth is taken home, and Basset is conveyed to a hospital. When Stratton arrives in the city he finds Ruth at the point of death. He realizes that this is his punishment. It brings the truth home to him. He writes the attorneys whom he was to assist that he is through with the defense of murderers and withdraws from the case. Basset dies, confessing his part of the crime. Ruth, slowly recovering, learns of the confession and realizes the truth, that Stratton knew of the murderer's guilt. She sends for Stratton. He sees that she knows, and though hopeless of her forgiveness, tells her of his decision, that he is through with the defense of murderers. As he turns to go, Ruth holds out her hands to him. She realizes that he has seen the right, that Justice must come before ambition. Gladly Stratton turns back to her, happy in their love and mutual understanding. Written by Moving Picture World synopsis See less
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Producer
Siegmund Lubin
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Status
Edit Released
Updated Jan 27, 1915
Release date
Jan 27, 1915 (United States)

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7 cast members
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