Understanding the Role of Lawyers in Justice

Lawyers do not represent justice; instead, they are the servants of justice. This popular saying reflects the complexity of a legal system where judges, laws, and the justice they aim to uphold are the ultimate goals. However, in practice, lawyers are primarily representatives of their clients, and their actions are often driven by the pursuit of personal gain.

Contradictions in Legal Representation

The idea that all lawyers represent justice can be misleading. While law was established to serve justice, the reality is often different. Crimes are weighed not just on the facts but also on the arguments presented. In many cases, a strong defense can sometimes mean that the client wins, regardless of the truth of the matter. This highlights how a lawyer’s role is to advocate for their client, even if they have a moral or ethical understanding of what is right.

Every person has their own perspective, and in some cases, even if a lawyer knows who is wrong, their duty is to defend their client’s rights. The art of justifying one’s client's position over the opposing side often means winning the case. This can be more about convincing the judge or jury of one's argument than about justice itself.

The Prosecutor’s Perspective

Lawyers play a significant role in representing the people of the jurisdiction, especially in criminal cases where prosecutors represent the prosecution. The system relies on the principle that if both sides present all relevant information, a judge or jury will normally decide what is just in a given case. This system, however, is not foolproof. Layers of appeals courts acknowledge that this process is not always perfect, and outcomes may vary.

Alternatives to this adversarial system exist in some legal systems, such as the Napoleonic system, which combines the roles of judge, prosecutor, and defense attorney. This approach can be influential but also has its drawbacks. While it lacks the embellished advocacy found in American legal dramas, it may result in a biased judgment from the judge, especially if their opinion is set in the early stages of the case.

Implications and Reflections

The role of lawyers in the pursuit of justice is complex. They serve both as advocates and as representatives of the justice system. While their primary duty is to their client, they are also part of a larger judicial process that aims to achieve fairness and justice.

Understanding the nuances of legal representation and the adversarial nature of the justice system is crucial. As the saying goes, 'if all lawyers represent justice why does one win?' it is important to consider the perspectives and motives that influence legal outcomes beyond the surface level.