George Zimmerman and The Golden Thread

 

July 22, 2013 at 3:07 AM

In comments lately, people have been castigating George Zimmerman's attorneys and asking how they could defend him, with the obligatory statement "it's all about the money". 

How could they defend him?  The answer is simple: How could they not?  Because that's the way a fair trial works.  Attorneys on both sides of the aisle make the justice system work. 

To paraphrase John Mortimer, speaking in the voice of Horace Rumpole, there is a Golden Thread running through American jurisprudence.  That Golden Thread is the idea that a person who is accused of a crime, no matter how heinous, is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.  And further, the accused has the right to a fair trial including competent counsel.  This is so important to American jurisprudence that it is enshrined in our national Constitution.  Specifically, Article III, section 2, and in the 6th Amendment.  

Why did George Zimmerman's attorneys defend him?  Because that's their job. 

And before you get all huffy about how this system makes you sick, keep in mind it doesn't just protect fat little attitudinally challenged wannabe cops, it protects you too.  And if you're ever accused of a crime, especially if you did not commit that crime, I'll bet you'll be very happy to have the protection of Article III, and the 4th, 5th, and 6th Amendments. 

(Yes, I just had to go and poke the bear again.)