MELVIN BELLI QUOTES

American lawyer (1907-1996)

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

Tags: lawyers


I'm no ambulance chaser. I always get there before the ambulance arrives.

MELVIN BELLI

The Washington Post, April 21, 1985


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

Tags: capital punishment


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


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


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


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


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