Quote:
Originally Posted by MBates
In legitimate criminal justice systems, the accused is presumed to be innocent. That is not just a legal principle but a practical approach that defence counsel must adhere to in order to discharge our duties fully.
{snip}
Disgust? If feeling that for simply doing what they are legally and ethically required to do, then the defence lawyer is obligated to withdraw from the file.
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I remember reading a biography "The Case for the Defence" by Edward Greenspan who was (as I'm sure you know) one of Canada's most famous trial lawyers. Now I read this back in the late '80s or early '90s....and it was a fascinating look into the mind of a criminal defence lawyer. He didn't like his clients (often) and said he would never have them to dinner at his house...but....the law entitles and requires them to be provided with the best defence possible. Why? Because losing that means we ALL lose...then none of us is entitled to a defence (welcome to Russia, among others).
MBates, it's ugly, and necessary. Personally I applaud you for your professional choice, and I know quite a few laywers who won't or don't do the same.
(I'm happy I work in tax, and various parts of law are only sidestreets from that.)