Unlike most of the other participants in the criminal justice system, defense attorneys may be accused of unethical behavior simply for agreeing to represent an accused individual or for winning a trial. On the other hand, in situations when defense attorneys neglect their duties and a criminal defendant is wrongfully convicted or receives a harsher sentence than typical, the public may ignore these facts. Research the role and duties of the criminal defense attorney for this assignment.
Create a 10- to 12-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation.
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Address the following in your presentation:
Is it ethical for a criminal defense attorney to represent a person believed to be guilty? Explain your answer.
Is it ethical for a public defender to refuse to represent a person believed to be guilty? Explain your answer.
What are the obligations of a criminal defense attorney when the defendant wishes to testify, and the defense attorney believes that the defendant is guilty of the offense?
What are some examples of instances when criminal defense attorneys neglected their ethical responsibilities, and a defendant was wrongfully convicted or received a harsher sentence as result?
Sample Solution