whatever is discussed, advised to, or dissuaded from, on the ground of any valuable interest: such is the end proposed, as far as is consistent with honour and justice, in this kind of orations.
The last class, which is called the judicial or forensic,comprehends all subjects of distributive justice. By this, property is protected, innocence is defended, justice is maintained, and crimes are exposed. All subjects canvassed in courts of judicature; all orations delivered at the bar or on the bench, are of this kind. It's end-to vindicate justice and equity, in opposition to fraud and violence, is obviously of very high importance and utility
The author of the above division, it is said, was Aristotle. It's propriety is evident, as there is probably no kind or subject of oratory, but what may be referred to one or other of the above classes.