The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Defending the reviled

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Friday, Nov 30, 2007
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Defending the reviled

This refers to the article “In defence of defending the reviled” (Nov. 29). I agree with the author that by providing terrorists and dictators proper legal representation, we occupy the moral high ground to condemn them.

But for the sake of presenting a humane face, is it worth agonising a society that is already reeling under corruption? Does not lawyers representing terrorists and dictators amount to a betrayal of the society from which the advocates come?

Sameer Kumar Gupta,

Noida

* * *

There is no litigation in cases involving inhuman crimes because the facts of the matter are clear. Hence defending the outrageous criminals is prima facie against the interests of justice. The lawyers’ profession does not justify indiscriminate defence of wrong.

C. Lakshmi Prasanna,

Hyderabad

* * *

Public criticism of the lawyers who defend criminals stems from a fear that justice — in a retributive sense — might not be done. Appeals to the rule of law, its potent symbolism, or moral superiority will never entirely remove society’s ambivalence in this regard.

In a less than perfect criminal justice system, which the author acknowledges, there are very real grounds for such scepticism.

Ramakrishna Bantu,

Hyderabad

* * *

While the article forcefully argues for equal legal rights for the reviled, it overlooks the fact that it is precisely because of our taking the moral high ground and our civilisation that many a dreaded criminal roams free and many innocent people rot in jail.

It is the ‘mob’ which is the biggest power in a democracy because it consists of the people.

Lalatendu Keshari Das,

New Delhi

* * *

The article made refreshing reading. It should clear the so-called public conscience supported by “media courts” which presume that they are the voice of society. Vishnu V. Shankar and The Hindu deserve to be commended for highlighting the issue at the appropriate time.

Mohammed Shamir,

Kozhikode

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