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Why don't we do it more?
I have been thinking a lot lately about what my future holds. The plan all along was to apply for PhD programs in sociology that I can teach, research, and write, focusing on the intersection between religion and politics. But lately I have been questioning if that is the right direction for me. And the alternative would be to go to law school with the goal of being a public defender. As most of my loyal readers know, I have always had an interest in crime, and more specifically - criminals, alleged criminals, etc. Few people would even think about giving any time to help these people, but I have always had a a desire somewhere to do exactly that. I have often been criticized - even on this blog - for standing up for "the guilty". And it is not always easy to take those stances. But that does not mean that it is not right. And what better way to truly make a difference than to go into law to become a public defender. With that said, I came across this tonight, which just adds confirmation to what I a have been thinking. The Dilemma of the Christian Attorney [hat tip Arbitrary and Capricious]
Is that not a great question? Why don't we do it more? Why don't we defend the guilty? And as a Christian, am I not called to defend all? Are we not all guilty? And did not Jesus defend us? Comments, Pingbacks:
Here's another quote from the same author:
"Everyone, even the guilty criminal - especially the guilty criminal! - needs a companion, a friend, someone to stand with him and for him. "The defense lawyer's job is to force the system to acknowledge that the defendant is not just a social misfit, or a statistic, or a criminal, but a human being with hopes and fears and dreams. A human being who, like any of us, stands in need of repentance and redemption. "The question for the Christian lawyer is not, 'How can you work to get a guilty person off?' The real question is, 'Will you stand by this person, this flawed and sinful human being, and speak a word on his behalf?' It's hanging next to my desk here at the p.d.'s office. Best wishes for you discerning which way you ought to go.
Comment from: Allen [Visitor] 12/12/05 @ 10:33
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Dave,
What's up man? Long time reader, first time commenter. I always read your blog, and I'm telling you man, you should be a journalist. Your words would reach a far wider audience that most academics with a Ph do. That being said, I think going to law school is a phenomenal idea. I've been pondering this as well. I've been working the last several weeks with the local Campaign to End the Death Penalty here, and we've been trying to do our part with the Tookie Campaign. Three weeks ago I went to a conference to hear Tom Hayden speak (one of my heros, the inspiration to me writing my senior paper on student activism). He threw out this idea: Is Marxism too conservative? The answer: Yes. Why? Because it does not account for the lumpenproletariat, the so called "underclass" comprised of "hoodlums" and "vagabonds". The left throws this population out the window. Even Marx and socialism throws this population out the window! My conclusion: Jesus is still the most progressive example of activism I have seen. Like Christ, someone needs to stand up and fight with those that have taken the roll of untouchables in our society. I think what you are pondering my friend is definitely going to alienate you even from the most die-hard leftists. That's ok. It would be the most radical step that only few have chosen to take. I support your decision in going the public defender route. Best of wishes as you make your decision.
Skelly...thanks for the extra quotes. Those are great!!
Allen...thanks for the encouragement, and great to hear from you. You should comment more - I know you have a lot to offer! We will see what happens - but it is kind of exciting!!
Comment from: Roland [Visitor] 12/12/05 @ 18:07
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I think it's immoral to help the bad guys.
Then you read a different Bible than I do.
Comment from: blair [Visitor] 12/12/05 @ 19:04
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Dave,
Hey, so I think you know I applied and looked into alot of law schools, I have ultimately decided it is not something I can currently reconcile my theology with, and am not going to be attending, barring a radical change in my life events. Anyway, I'd be glad to discuss it more with you if you're interested, or even if you just need advice on the application/LSAT process, I found it would have been nice to have someone talk me through it. Anyway, email me if you're interested. Peace Blair
My brother is a lawyer (although he focuses on non-profit organizations and doesn't do criminal). He says that one of the scriptures that inspires him as an attorney is Proverbs 31:8-9: Open thy mouth for the dumb in the cause of all such as are appointed to destruction. Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.
One thing I would wonder about, though, is whether a staunch progressive might find legal work restrictive. As an outsider you can challenge the entire system, but when you're an officer of the court, you have to work within the system. You couldn't defend a client by criticizing the sentencing guidelines for drug violations; you would have to accept that the laws are the laws and there's only so much you can do to help someone who is clearly in violation. That could be frustrating.
Comment from: Roland [Visitor] 12/13/05 @ 22:13
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Then you read a different Bible than I do.
Well if you were taking a "go and sin no more" approach, then I suppose I agree with you. But helping bad guys escape justice for their crimes is immoral.
But helping bad guys escape justice for their crimes is immoral.
You have a distorted view of the criminal justice system. And a distorted view of scripture. Tell me...how do you view the passage regarding the woman about to get stoned? Also, it would be able helping accused people, not "bad" people. And do you really believe that "bad guys" don't deserve a lawyer?
Comment from: Roland [Visitor] 12/14/05 @ 18:45
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Tell me...how do you view the passage regarding the woman about to get stoned?
Totally different situation. She broke a religious law in a theocracy. And do you really believe that "bad guys" don't deserve a lawyer? No they're entitled to one if they can find one. But I don't believe a Christian should participate in helping a bad guy get away with what he did.
How is it a different situation?
The woman broke a law. She was guilty. There is no doubt about that. But Jesus defended her. It does not matter that it was a theocracy at that time. Jesus defended the guilty. Leave a comment:
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