"I wish to free the accused of blame, and having reproved her detractors as prevaricators and proved the truth to free her from their ignorance" (Gorigas, Encomium of Helen)
When I read Gorigas he sounds much like a modern day defense attorney. He poses rhetorical questions that make the accused seem innocent and also trys to prove the innocence of Helen which would make Helen his client in the modern world. Gorgias' rhetoric is all about using his speech to persuade his audience into believing what he is saying is the truth. He does this by making his arguments and words sound more knowledgeable than the audience can comprehend.
Q: Would Gorgias' rhetoric work in a modern day courtroom and why or why not?
I also interpreted this type persuasion to be one a defense attorney may use to persuade. Gorigas is careful with his word choice and poses a strong argument for Helen. He blames outside factors for her kidnapping. Gorigas provided a detailed account making Helen out to be an innocent beautiful girl persuaded by speech. He believes even if it was language that deceived her the persuader is responsible and should be punished. In modern court cases attorneys consider language and manipulation when uncovering the truth. They take every change that led to a crime into consideration: text messages, phone conversations, public interactions.
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