The Firing Line Forums - View Single Post - When trial courts go stupid on self defense law (aka, know the law)

Law of Self Defense · March 17, 2013, 08:41 PM

It would be shockingly unethical for a defense attorney to cut any deal inimicable to their client.

I wouldn't swear it's never happened, but I've not personally seen it.

In any case, with this particular defendant, it would hardly be worth the effort, as he was a die-hard . . . . well, I'm not sure about the language restrictions on this forum. Dirt-bag is probably OK, right?

Shortly after this case, the same defendant picked up a 40-year sentence for a different murder.

So, they had plenty of ways to nail this guy down without having to go through the contortions of reading a statute backwards only to be humiliated by the state supreme court.

But, really, I guess we'll never know.

The lesson is the same, though. Know the law.

Andrew

March 17, 2013, 08:41 PM	#8
Law of Self Defense Junior Member Join Date: December 16, 2010 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 5	It would be shockingly unethical for a defense attorney to cut any deal inimicable to their client. I wouldn't swear it's never happened, but I've not personally seen it. In any case, with this particular defendant, it would hardly be worth the effort, as he was a die-hard . . . . well, I'm not sure about the language restrictions on this forum. Dirt-bag is probably OK, right? Shortly after this case, the same defendant picked up a 40-year sentence for a different murder. So, they had plenty of ways to nail this guy down without having to go through the contortions of reading a statute backwards only to be humiliated by the state supreme court. But, really, I guess we'll never know. The lesson is the same, though. Know the law. Andrew __________________ Andrew F. Branca, Attorney at Law (MA) www.lawofselfdefense.com This message does NOT constitute legal advice, and does NOT establish an attorney-client relationship/confidentiality. If you have an immediate need for legal advice, consult a competent attorney in your jurisdiction.