Why does A Criminal Lawyer Matter?
In the words of Clarence Darrow, one of America’s greatest criminal lawyers whose piece appeared in the November 18, 1893 issue of The Chicago Herald, he wrote: “Can we afford to sweep away the law because a great majority believes a prisoner has no right to live? Shall a majority say that the law shall be ignored when they believe the necessities demand? If this is the case, then there is no longer need for law. If the law is not strong enough to protect the humblest and weakest citizen it deserves the contempt of all.” This piece is from a letter he wrote to the editor about the shooting of Chicago’s Mayor Carter Harrison 120 years ago. His words are still true even today. This world needs defense attorneys like him who are willing to fight it out on their clients’ behalf. Defense attorneys act as an instrument that reduces any imbalance between the Government and the Governed. Essentially, they challenge the State to be fairer, more accurate, and more just. The best c...