A telegraph operator , Alfred John `` Jack '' Atherton , was charged Judgment_communication with manslaughter ; the Crown alleged Statement that he was negligent in passing Motion_directional an incomplete message .

Diefenbaker joined Participation the British Columbia bar to take the case Criminal_investigation , and obtained Getting Atherton 's acquittal .

Diefenbaker 's successful defence Defending of Atherton became Becoming an asset in his political rise Cause_change_of_position_on_a_scale .