American lawyer (1907-1996)
Look at the creeps who favor capital punishment; you get the feeling they want to be the ones to pull the switch.
MELVIN BELLI
interview, Playboy, June 1965
I'm no ambulance chaser. I always get there before the ambulance arrives.
MELVIN BELLI
The Washington Post, April 21, 1985
The name of the game in the United States is to sue. It's a national pastime. We probably sue more than any other country and thank God we do. It's the little guy who brings the little suit that makes life safer for all of us.
MELVIN BELLI
attributed, The Speaker's Book of Quotations
Except perhaps to our God, we all have a facade, even to our closest friends; some of us even to ourselves, and to our spouses--our spouses in particular, for that matter. It may not be good that we have it, but I don't believe the state or anyone else has a right to pierce that facade without the individual's consent.
MELVIN BELLI
interview, Playboy, June 1965
There is never a deed so foul that something couldn't be said for the guy; that's why there are lawyers.
MELVIN BELLI
Los Angeles Times, December 18, 1981
A lawyers performance in the courtroom is responsible for about 25 percent of the outcome; the remaining 75 percent depends on the facts.
MELVIN BELLI
attributed, Jar of Quotes
Sure, I'm flamboyant. I can afford to be--I'm a damn good lawyer. You've got to ring the bell to get the people into the temple.
MELVIN BELLI
interview, Playboy, June 1965
Getting kicked out of the American Bar Association is like getting kicked out of the Book-of-the-Month Club.
MELVIN BELLI
on the occasion of his getting kicked out of the American Bar Association, The 2,548 Best Things Anybody Ever Said
I don't favor institutional capital punishment
MELVIN BELLI
interview, Playboy, June 1965
I'm for hire. I'll defend anyone who comes to me.
MELVIN BELLI
interview, Playboy, June 1965