Saturday, July 2, 2011

John Adams: A Great Criminal Defense Attorney

One of my favorite criminal defense lawyers is John Adams. On this 4th of July weekend, I think it is appropriate to remember what great men the founding fathers were.

John Adams was practicing law near boston when the "Boston Massacre" happened. The Lynn Ranch blog sets the scene:

"On March 5, 1770, six years before the formal break from England, an unruly mob gathered in front of Boston's Customs House. After pelting British troops with snowballs and rocks, the crowd surged forward; the troops fired into the mob, killing five people. From the colonial viewpoint, this was the 'Boston Massacre.' As far as the British were concerned, it was a riot. Both views are credible."

12 of the soldiers were charged with murder. The court could not find a lawyer who would defend the soldiers. The case was deeply unpopular. Adams, who had political aspirations, believed that if he took the case, his reputation would be permanently damaged. But he thought it was more important that the men get a fair trial than for him to be able to run for office.

"Under Adams' skillful defense, six of the soldiers were acquitted. Two who had fired directly into the crowd were charged with murder, but were convicted only of manslaughter. Adams was paid eighteen guineas by the British soldiers, or about the cost of a pair of shoes. Beyond the fee, Adams wanted to prove to the world that American justice was balanced and fair."

People frequently ask me, "How can you be a criminal defense lawyer? How can you defend guilty people?" I like to think that in my small way, I am following in John Adams footsteps. Like him, I believe that our justice system requires skillful advocates on both sides. I can't change the facts of my clients' cases, but I can make sure that they don't get convicted of a crime unless the prosecutors do their job.

As we celebrate our country's independence, I am grateful that we live in a land where we are governed by the rule of law. I am grateful that John Adams and the other architects of the Constitution built a procedure that protects the innocent as well as the guilty.

28 comments:

Guy said...

I remember a vandalism on a local courthouse I once visited that reads: Audi Alteram Partem (Hear Both Sides). This is a constant cry against prejudice and discrimination. That's what defense lawyers are for, so that all sides of the story can be voiced out.


Guy Chambliss

Joshua Baron said...

Thanks for that comment, Guy. That's a great way to say it. Much more concise than that long post. Keep up your great work!

Unknown said...

Thank you for sharing this post about the Criminal Defense Attorney, this is a big help for me and to the others as well on how to choose the right criminal defense lawyer. Thanks again :)
San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney

Joshua Baron said...

Thanks for reading.

San Antonio Criminal Defense Attorney said...

This is a very good post. Especially as it contains information I haven’t read before.

San Antonio DWI Lawyer said...

You have brought up very good details, appreciate it for the post..

Unknown said...

Keep it up; keep posting more n more n more.

new york city dui

Unknown said...


We provide zealous representation for our clients from intake throughout trial. If you find yourself in need of legal representation, do not hesitate to contact our office criminal defense attorney


Unknown said...

I truly like to read your post. Thank you so much for taking the time to share such nice information.
Criminal Defense attorney Houston.

Unknown said...

The criminal defense lawyer whom I have hired is very effective as they are providing me all types of criminal defense related service.
Criminal Defense attorney Houston.

Unknown said...

Bail agents are highly trained in the field of bail bonds and are experts when it comes to how to get people out of jail fast. Reputable bondsmen are those that adhere to all the regulations put forth and stay current with their licensing. Be careful when choosing your bail bondsman, that you don’t become a victim of circumstances.Bail Bondsman Richmond

Anonymous said...

electronic cigarettes, smokeless cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, electronic cigarette brands, e cigarette

Anonymous said...

What’s up to everybody, this blog post that has posted here has in fact particular quality work. personalcashadvance.com

Anonymous said...

Pretty! It was really a wonderful blog. Thanks for the provided information.Merced DUI Attorney

Unknown said...

Great! We will be connecting to this enormous post on our site. Continue the good writing.
Lawyer

Mahabub said...

Thank you for providing the information. This information will help me a lot as I am doing the course in criminal defense and it will help me to prepare for my interview.

Hannan Aslam said...

Your online journal gave us important data to work with. Each and every tips of your post are great. You're the best to share. Continue blogging.. criminal defense lawyer

Jeson Devid said...

I've been hunting down some tolerable stuff on the subject and haven't had any fortunes up until this point, You just got another greatest fan!.. Visit the Michigan Auto Accident Lawyer https://www.eliaandponto.com/michigan-auto-accident-lawyer/

Anonymous said...

Interesting and amazing how your post is! It Is Useful and helpful for me That I like it very much, and I am looking forward to Hearing from your next..criminal defense attorney in atlanta ga

Law Offices of Melvin S. Nash said...

Thanks for sharing such a great post. It was interesting and so ,much helpful. Atlanta Criminal Defense Attorney

Benavides Law Firm said...

Thank you for posting this. As a Criminal Attorney in Houston myself, I found this blog on one of the firsts criminal lawyer, very interesting and so much helpful.
Please Visit - Benavides Law Firm

MS Silva said...

What a nice information! If you have another blog about lawyers like Divorce Lawyer then share. I want to read another. Thank you

Nathanial said...

Fantastic and effective post. Remind, Also we are providing services like Jeremy D Eveland (expert lawyer). If need just contact us. We'll solve your problem. Thank you

samee said...

Through this post, I know that your good knowledge in playing with all the pieces was very helpful. I notify that this is the first place where I find issues I've been searching for. You have a clever yet attractive way of writing. عقوبة ترويج المخدرات وتهريبها

KASHAF said...

Dui Defense Lawyers in Grand Rapids Michigan A very awesome blog post. We are really grateful for your blog post. You will find a lot of approaches after visiting your post.

muhammadali said...

I like viewing web sites which comprehend the price of delivering the excellent useful resource free of charge. I truly adored reading your posting. Thank you! محامي في الرياض

Alicia Meltonas said...

Texas Discrimination Attorneys represent and counsel employers in labor and employment law.

Jack Nichols said...

JQNLaw PLLC is an Austin law firm run by Austin Attorney and Business Lawyer Jack Nichols who represents businesses in: business entity formation; limited liability companies, partnerships & corporations; contract preparation, contract review & contract disputes; employment law; business dispute litigation & resolution; mergers & acquisition; and the sale and purchase of businesses in Austin Texas (TX). Call JQNLaw PLLC at 512-595-1269. for a free consultation with an Austin lawyer.