I’m going to make fun of your name in open court (spoiler)

I just finished watching this on TMC. At no point of the film did I here Lincoln mocking his name.(Its possible that was edited) And how does John Cass sound like jackass?

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This seemed way out of character for Abraham Lincoln.

So the guy’s full name is John Palmer Cass. Probably his parents took all of fifteen minutes to realize their mistake after naming him. Who would want their son to be known as “jackass?”

Naturally, they decide to raise him as J. Palmer. The other kids found out his first name and called him jackass anyway.

Now he’s a grown man. Leaving aside the fact that he’s a liar and a murderer, what’s the point of Lincoln mocking him on the stand? Even if Lincoln already knew he was the murderer, what purpose did this serve?

First, this is a highly fictionalized story.

Second, as a younger man Lincoln was well-known for his biting and sarcastic wit. Google Lincoln's Forgotten Duel to see one example of this.

Third, the exchange illustrates Lincoln's unconventional yet effective skill as a cross-examiner.

Fourth, the man was a jackass. Lincoln turned judicial notice on its head, for the truth of that fact is so obvious that it cannot be refuted.

Fifth, it's a movie. It was also by far one of the most memorable scenes, despite its corniness, especially at the point when someone (I forget who) said, "Oh, now I get it!" which gave the joke a bit more mileage.

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The bit about the name was really trying to show that Palmer was hiding something.

Its that man again!!

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