Synopsis
Len Murray, described by a High Court judge as the most respected pleader of his generation, practised as a solicitor in Glasgow for over 40 years. As part of a triumvirate of top lawyers based in the city during its period of renaissance, he built up one of the most respected law practices in the country. Among the benchmark cases with which Murray was involved was that of Tony Miller, the last person ever to be hanged in Scotland. Despite a desperate appeal by Murray, the 19-year-old was sent to his death on 22 December 1960. In his account Murray describes both the legal arguments and the personal effect the case had on him. Murray was also involved in bringing the Nazi war criminal Anton Gecas to justice after his discovery in Edinburgh, he was the only solicitor ever to be retained by both Rangers and Celtic footballers who were accused of assaulting each other at Ibrox during a match, and he made a cheeky defence of famous Beatle Paul McCartney who was arrested on drugs charges. In this text he recounts these and many more tales of the courts and the characters who inhabited them, whether they sat on the bench or stood in the dock.

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews   1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: The Pleader, 16 Dec 2002 By  martin gilfeather (Glasgow, Scotland) - See all my reviews this book takes the reader into the heart of Scottish law..the stories surrounding Murrays life are funny,sad and sometimes downright tragic.He weaves a beautifully descriptive web bringing to life the characters of Glasgow who end up in the dock...also taking sideswipes at his legal brethern. His saddest stories are his client that he lost to the hangmans rope in the 60,s. His actions in the nazi war criminal hunt for Antonus Gecas is thrilling. This was a book i could not put down...surely there is a movie in it!  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: The Pleader, 16 Nov 2002 By A Customer An great read. "The Pleader" is much more than the story of a Glasgow Lawyer. It contains very humourous tales from Glasgow life as well as some famous trials. I enjoyed it from start to finish. The story of the Rangers and Celtic players trial was most enlightening.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   1 of 1 people found the following review helpful: The Pleader, 14 Nov 2002 By  mary leonard (Tyne & Wear) - See all my reviews I read this book with great interest. An insight into a world never seen by most, sometimes dark, sometimes funny and always interesting. The author has an obvious love and respect for the Scottish Legal system.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this) › See all 4 customer reviews...		Most Recent Customer Reviews I'm a reader of The Pleader.... Mr. Murray is quite a character...this series of his life experiences give us a clear view into a world, never seen by most... Read more Published on 13 Nov 2002 by paul Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews › See all 4 customer reviews...

• Biography > Historical > Britain
• Biography > Medical, Legal & Social Sciences > Legal
• Biography > True Crime
• Business, Finance & Law > Law > Scots Law > Private, Property & Family > Criminal

Biography: general
Legal profession
Scots law: criminal law