Today I heard a television talk show host speak about how crooked defence lawyers would take cases for money and twist them to have the guilty go free.
The perception is not uncommon.
Surely an honest lawyer would not, should not, take a case where the accused is guilty?
Actually, that's exactly what the honest lawyer should do.
I will defend anyone charged with anything (so long as I think I am technically able to argue the case).
Certainly there unscrupulous lawyers who will bend or break the rules for money. But there are not many like that practicing in criminal law; if money is your goal, don't become a criminal defence lawyer. Criminal law is not a lucrative field.
I assume most of my clients did, in fact, do what they were accused of doing. But my job isn't to decide their guilt -- my job is to give my clients the strongest defence possible. When I defend a robber I am defending the accused -- I am not defending robbery.
The righteous advocate is not tainted by the sins of those defended. In the same way, an honourable lawyer can advocate for the worst of criminals without taking on their crime.
James Morton
1100-5255 Yonge Street
Toronto, Ontario
M2N 6P4
416 225 2777
3 comments:
A good criminal justice system requires that the system itself be constantly tested and held accountable; the police, the courts, and those who make the laws. No one accused of a crime should be without the best defence possible.
Good for you for clarifying this. Even persons who may be guilty of terrible crimes are certainly entitled to a capable defense.
....Unlike family court where lawyers are really scum for the most part.
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