How do defense attnys represent a "confessed" serial killer/child rapist in GOOD conscious?
If one admits the deed, how do you FEEL when you go home to your family KNOWING that he/she is guilty; and after he/she is "NOT" guilty by jury??
Answers:
Well, everyone has the right to a fair trial. Some perps may go free on technicalities, which is unfortunate, but it helps to ensure that no one goes to prison unfairly. Supposed to anyway, too bad some people have been unfiarly convicted. But the system isn't perfect.
Love Jack
You are assuming defense attorneys have a conscience?
Vicki, it is their job to give a good defense for their client. Our Constitution allows us the luxury of a legal defense, even if we are guilty as sin. We are "presumed" innocent until "proven" guilty according to our Constitution. My client will not tell me he/she is guilty, he/she will only plea to the courts. I am to "presume" he/she is innocent and launch a defense on that presumption and that presumption only! I would be devastated if my client told me after the trial if he/she got off that he/she is guilty, but I cannot do my job under any other circumstances.
I hear ya, but somebody has to do it. If no one is willing to defend even the indefensible, then why even have a trial? Defense lawyers are not only there to defend their client, but insure that justice is upheld.
The guys I can't stand, though, are the defense lawyers who want to become media celebrities, and take big profile cases just to get on TV. "If the gloves don't fit, you must acquit!" They're doing as much to destroy our legal system as liberal judges who legislate from the bench.
It reall y makes a lawyer dpressed. That's why so many lawyers are alcoholics. It's a hard job but you have to make sure the prosecution can prove it's case.
It's just another necessary evil in our world. and as bad as it is i say it's better for 10 guilty mean to go free than it is for 1 guilty man to be in prison for a crime he didnt commit.
I had a family law attorney for my research law class instructor and we asked her the same question but in respect to a child molester. Her response was that everyone is presumed innocent until found guilty by a jury of their peers and when her name came up and the Court instructed her to defend someone on trial for a crime against a child, her duty was to defend that person to the extent of her expertise (she never in good conscious took those types of cases--only those assigned by the Court). If she knew that her client was guilty because he/she had confessed in confidence to her (remember a client is protected by the attorney/client privilege), all she could hope for was that the prosecuting attorney had a solid case and was damn good in court because she was one of the best.
In the United States you are innocent until proven guilty. Everyone has the right to their day in court, no matter how heinous the crime. Defense attorneys are making sure that their clients receive proper legal representation and guard their constitutional rights. These rights represent the foundation of democracy in this country. Only through vigilant protection of these rights can our society, as a whole, can enjoy freedom. That, however, does not mean they condone the alleged crime(s). If a jury finds the defendant not guilty, that is the fault of the prosecution for failing to prove its case.
all people deserve to put on a defense and to have an attorney ensure that a fair trial is conducted and no rights are violated.
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