Question

In his closing argument during the Hinckley assassination trial, defense attorney Vincent Fuller said to the jury:

"First is the spring of 1976 when John Hinckley impulsively [goes] out, abruptly sells his automobile and goes to California to become a rock star or a song writer. Unrealistic, absolutely unrealistic. He had not had one moment of training in music. And he believed he would come on the front of Hollywood and be an instant success. Needless to say, he was a total failure and it resulted in his depression, despair, and disappointment. He made another aborted effort, I believe in 1978, where the doctors testified he went to Nashville again with great expectations of being a rock star. Once again his hopes were dashed, because, obviously, these were unrealistic goals. Whether at that point in time they are psychotic, obviously we are not qualified to address that. You should consider that, though, in your deliberations."

Evaluate Fuller's argument in terms of logos, pathos, and ethos. Use evidence from the statement to support your answer. Your response should be a minimum of five sentences.

Answer 1

Logos

Vincent Fuller makes an attempt to appeal to the jury by raising a logical argument. He argues that it would be absolutely unrealistic for a person who had not had any training in music to sell his automobile then head to California with the expectation of becoming a rock star.

Pathos

The attorney's argument raises a number of issues that are meant to invoke emotional responses from the jury. For instance , he speaks about issues of disappointment and despair in order to construct the image of the person being dealt with by the court.

Ethos

The attorney appeals to the jury by raising the level of credibility in his arguments. This is done when he invokes the testimony of a doctor in his argument. He also appeals to credibility by arguing that he was not well versed to address issues of psychology indicating that he would only address aspects that falls in his profession.