My internship was with a criminal defense attorney. If I was in the 1700's in colonial America there would be criminal defense lawyers but not women lawyers. Therefore I am going to act like her and I would be men in the 1700's. The best example of a defense attorney is John Adams. He famously defended the soldiers and the captain involved in the Boston Massacre. Much like my mentor, he defended those who were seen as bad and were not in favor to win. In fact, no one wanted to take the case but Adams decided he would. Marcee often takes cases that no one else will or will work hard for them, regardless of popular opinion. In the case of the Boston Massacre no one was in favor of the British but that didn't stop Adams from defending them based on the principle that everyone deserves the right to a fair trial.
His job entailed presenting evidence and convincing a jury of his clients innocence. In the end the captain and six of the eight soldiers were found not guilty. He would fight the case using the established laws and rules that were set in place by the colony and mostly the British. in order to be a lawyer you needed to be educated and well versed in all aspects and areas of the law. Adams said that this case was," one of the most gallant, generous, manly, and disinterested actions of my whole life, and one of the best pieces of service I ever rendered my country." Adams knew that the captain and soldiers needed a defense and he was brave enough to step up to the plate to give them that right.. It is important that everyone be given a fair trial, and the Constitution includes that right. It is now one of the principles our country is based on.
Resources: John Adams by David McCullough
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