Rufus Choate, a Massachusetts lawyer and orator, has been described as a "unique and romantic phenomenon" in America's history. Born in 1799 in Essex, Massachusetts, Choate graduated from Dartmouth College and attended Harvard Law School. Choate's goal was to be the top in his profession. Daniel Webster was Choate's hero. Choate became well respected as a criminal lawyer, and was especially effective in front of juries. Although successful with juries, Choate frequently lost cases before Supreme Judicial Court Judges, who were not swayed by his style. Choate appeared in many important cases before the Supreme Court. Associated with Webster, he argued "Rhode Island v. Massachusetts" (a boundary line dispute), "Thurlow v. Massachusetts" (nullification of liquor laws), "Norris v. Boston" (immigration laws), and "Woodbury v. Allen" (patent disclaimer). Choate was a master of rhetoric, and studied Demosthenes, Quintillian, and Burke. Much of Choate's success came from his intense and careful preparations. He also combined wit with a sense of courtesy and appreciation in meeting his competition. Choate had a unique personality which made him a great orator. Some historians feel that Choate should be placed among the great lawyers of all time. (MM)