A French jurist became famous for defending a group of rats in 1508
Barthélemy de Chasseneuz was a French jurist of the 16th century that is better known today for his passionate defense of a group of rats. Yes, that was written correctly. The rodents were put on trial in 1508 for destroying barley crops in the province of Autun. It might sound ridiculous, but that defense cemented his reputation as a brilliant criminal defense attorney.
He later wrote the Commentaria in consuetudines ducatus Burgundiae, the first substantial commentary on French customary law. His work was cited frequently in France and was used to interpret the Napoleonic Code centuries later because it covered Roman law extensively.