Glen Shirley, in Shotgun For Hire, implies that some of the citizens of Ada, OK lynched Deacon Jim Miller, and three others, because Miller had retained attorney Moman Pruiett to defend him for the murder of Gus Bobbit. Since Pruiett was so successful an attorney, the citizens evidently feared his representation would enable Miller to escape justice. Do we know of any other cases where Pruiett's clients were lynched simply because he was so adept at defending murderers?

--meursault

Yes, sometimes a lawyer can be "too good", as reported in Golden West magazine (Dec. 1972 V.9 N.1 p.45) in an article entitled "Weird Frontier Justice" by Alexander Manpar:

Oklahoma remained an untamed section of the nation for many years and Indians played a prominent part in its activities. Such legal lights as Moman Pruiett and others were often involved in antics with benefit of Blackstone; but, in one case, an Indian had a clearer grasp of the law than even Pruiett, who was seldom topped.

In the Oklahoma Federal Court, an elderly Osage Indian was charged with bootlegging.

"Your name?" the Judge inquired.

Silence.

"Are you represented by counsel?"

Again, silence. The Indian stood tall, his eyes fixed as though trying to see something on a distant horizon.

"Do you understand English?"

Still the Indian said nothing. Finally, the Judge, exasperated with the obdurate silence, called the district attorney. "He doesn't seem to understand, or have counsel. It is a trivial matter anyhow. Why don't you move for a dismissal and I'll grant it?"

Told that he was no longer being held and could go, the Indian remained standing as though he hadn't heard. Since he wasn't interfering with the real business of the court, the next case was called.

This case was a white man who was also charged with illegally making moonshine. Moman Pruiett sprang into his case, his oratory reaching unusual heights and flights of fancy. He concluded with a stirring plea for mercy and understanding. The Judge looked down on the lawyer and his client and gave him a five year jolt in the pen.

Pruiett returned to the defense table as his client was lead away. As Pruiett started to walk from the courtroom, the stoic old Osage fell in behind him. Suddenly, the Indian leaned over and whispered in Pruiett's ear:

"White man talk too much."