Henry J. Friendly

Definition

Henry J. Friendly was a prominent American jurist and a federal appellate judge, known for his influential opinions and writings that shaped the landscape of U.S. law. His contributions to legal scholarship and practice are particularly significant in the context of secondary source citations, where his methods of legal reasoning and citation practices have influenced how legal scholars and practitioners reference sources in their arguments and analyses.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Henry J. Friendly served as a judge on the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit from 1959 until his retirement in 1979, making significant contributions to appellate jurisprudence.
2. He is best known for his clarity of thought and articulation in legal writing, which set high standards for judicial opinions and legal analysis.
3. Friendly advocated for rigorous citation practices, emphasizing the importance of accurately referencing both primary and secondary sources to support legal arguments.
4. His writings include influential essays on the judicial process and legal philosophy, which have been widely cited in legal literature and scholarship.
5. Friendly's approach to secondary source citations reflects a broader trend in legal writing that prioritizes precision and authority, helping to elevate the standards of legal research.

Review Questions

• How did Henry J. Friendly's approach to legal writing influence the use of secondary source citations in legal arguments?
  • Henry J. Friendly's approach emphasized clarity and precision in legal writing, which greatly influenced how secondary source citations are used in legal arguments. He believed that accurate citation not only bolstered the authority of legal claims but also enhanced the overall quality of legal discourse. His insistence on thorough research and proper referencing encouraged lawyers and scholars to cite secondary sources more rigorously, thereby improving the credibility and persuasiveness of their arguments.
• In what ways did Henry J. Friendly's judicial opinions reflect best practices for citing case law and secondary sources?
  • Henry J. Friendly’s judicial opinions often demonstrated best practices for citing case law and secondary sources through his meticulous attention to detail and clear structuring of arguments. He routinely included comprehensive citations that provided context for his decisions, allowing readers to understand the basis of his reasoning. This approach not only served to strengthen his opinions but also set a precedent for future judges and lawyers on the importance of rigorous citation practices in judicial writing.
• Evaluate the long-term impact of Henry J. Friendly's contributions on contemporary legal scholarship regarding citation practices.
  • The long-term impact of Henry J. Friendly’s contributions on contemporary legal scholarship regarding citation practices is profound, as his emphasis on accuracy and clarity continues to resonate within the field. His influence can be seen in how modern legal scholars prioritize thorough research and reliable citations when constructing arguments. Furthermore, his works inspire ongoing discussions about the importance of secondary sources in enhancing the depth and validity of legal analyses, ensuring that his legacy shapes future generations of lawyers and judges in their approaches to legal writing.

Related terms

Legal Citation: A standardized method of referencing legal documents, cases, statutes, and other sources to provide clear and accurate references in legal writing.

Case Law: Law established by the outcome of former court cases, which is often referenced as a source in legal arguments and decisions.

Judicial Opinion: A formal statement by a judge or court detailing the reasoning behind a legal decision, which often serves as a precedent for future cases.