Legal Question in Criminal Law in Texas

When in the Criminal Law field, is there a place to take morals into account? Say your client is guilty of murder, and you're representing them, do you just let him get away with murder? I'm only fifteenm but I have been thinking a lot about getting into this field, but I feel I don't quite know enough about it, and weither I'd enjoy it, or if I'm getting the wrong message by watching so many law tv shows. But I do love to argue, and figure things out, also if you have time to tell me what kind of schooling/ how much schooling is necissary, that would be great. Thanks, Charity M.

When in the Criminal Law field, is there a place to take morals into account? Say your client is guilty of murder, and you're representing them, do you just let him get away with murder?

I'm only fifteenm but I have been thinking a lot about getting into this field, but I feel I don't quite know enough about it, and weither I'd enjoy it, or if I'm getting the wrong message by watching so many law tv shows. But I do love to argue, and figure things out, also if you have time to tell me what kind of schooling/ how much schooling is necissary, that would be great.

Thanks,

Charity M.


Asked on 7/22/10, 11:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bob Leonard Bob Leonard Law Group, PLLC

Charity, you seem to be quite a thoughtful 15 year old and smart enough to realize that the TV shows are not always accurate.

It is not really a question of morals. According to law, the State must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. If this country (or any other) loses that protection, then the state could easily punish its enemies whether they deserved it or not.

Also, everything is not always black and white. To use your example of murder, the state might believe that it is murder, but the defendant might admit to the act but still believe that it was committed in self defense. Of course, often it is black and white.

Ask any attorney and they will tell you that in most of the trials that they lose, the right decision was ultimately made.

As to school, finish high school and take as many English courses as you can; a significant part of being an attorney is communication. In college you can take a pre-law curriculum, but add more English and a lot of business courses to that. The business courses, including accounting, will both teach you about running a business (which a law firm is) and how to properly evaluate your cases and your clients.

Good luck. Email me directly at [email protected] if you have other questions; I would be happy to help you.

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Answered on 7/22/10, 2:51 pm


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