The first "Weekly Hero"

So, the purpose of this segment is to highlight a lawyer, past or present, who does great things. Generally I select someone who has chosen not to follow the usual path, and succeeded in creating change.

This week's choice is an obvious one: Mohandas K. Gandhi.
He obtained a legal educated in England and a member of the bar. He practiced law in England and in South Africa before becoming a famous civil rights activist. Knowing the law allows you to see issues in society in a different way, and a creative lawyer like MKG can also see novel ways to push for solutions. I think it is important for activists to remember that they should not rely on litigation too much, because the courts tend to follow public opinion, as shaped by the elites. Throughout history, the courts have often been the most reactionary of the three branches. If Gandhi had merely litigated for civil rights, or lobbied government, or used only the "standard" channels, it is unlikely he would have had much success.


http://www.gandhiinstitute.org/
http://www.mahatma.org.in/flash.html
http://www.mkgandhi.org/index.htm