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January 02, 2006
They would
Defense attorneys embrace infamous
I guess that it's necessary. I just don't think it's something to be proud of.
Posted by Mac Thomason at January 2, 2006 06:54 AM
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Comments
Why shouldn't an attorney representing his client, regardless of who the client is, be proud of doing a good job? Wouldn't a gifted physician be proud saving a patient's life, even if the patient was accused of a crime? Aren't you proud of the job you do as a librarian, even if you don't approve of all the authors represented in your collection?
Doing good work is something to always be proud of, regardless of who benefits from your efforts.
Posted by: John H. Burgess at January 2, 2006 04:20 PM
Trying to let infamous murderers go free? I'm sorry, I just can't go there. I felt this way when I was supposed to become a lawyer and I still do.
Posted by: Mac Thomason at January 2, 2006 04:22 PM
Somebody has to represent people accused of horrible crimes. Otherwise, more innocent people would be put to death. The defense lawyer is protecting the rights of the accused, guilty or innocent.
It's a thankless job, but I'm glad someone is doing it.
Posted by: LizW at January 2, 2006 09:08 PM
LizW's post is what happens after watching a full slate of bowl games on ABC and seeing previews for "InJustice starring Kyle MacLachlan" every commercial break all day long.
Posted by: JoeyT at January 2, 2006 09:33 PM
No, no, you're right. There should be no trials with competent attorneys. We could just let some good Christian person, say, Roy Moore for instance, decide guilt and punishment. I'm sure it would be fine.
Posted by: LizW at January 3, 2006 10:11 AM
Competent? A bunch of grandstanding lawyers who want their names in the paper?
Twelve people on death row were exonerated last year on just DNA evidence. Considering 60 people were executed, twelve is a pretty significant number. DNA evidence has saved 168 people so far. Death penalty cases are often the kind of high profile cases addressed in the article.
If a defense attorney can't even instill reasonable doubt in cases where the client is later shown to be completely innocent, I'd hardly call that competent.
That doesn't even address the multitudes charged with less sexy crimes railroaded with only an underpaid public defender at their table. People don't need fameseekers; they need the quality defense only the rich can afford. Until the pay gap between public and private narrows, that will never occur. Camera whores aren't the answer.
Posted by: JoeyT at January 3, 2006 11:13 AM