How effective is Boris Max's argument in the courtroom?

Max's argument is accurate and his appeal is well thought out. Unfortunately, Max's defense falls on deaf ears.... the people he's speaking to aren't listening.

Max's argument in the courtroom falls short of its intentions of leniency towards Bigger. The district attorney was running for State Attorney General and the judge was running to keep his seat as judge. If they gave in to anything other than the death penalty they were sure to lose the elections.