Law Day 2011: The Legacy of John Adams - from Boston to Guantanamo

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Jennifer Lake
  • 673d Air Base Wing Judge Advocate
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  Since 1958, May 1 has been set aside as Law Day - a celebration of the American respect for rule of law and the American republican system.

Law Day allows us, as Americans, to celebrate the rights we enjoy under the Constitution and reaffirm our commitment to justice and equality.

For Law Day 2011, the American Bar Association has chosen the theme, "The Legacy of John Adams - from Boston to Guantanamo."

Adams is the perfect example of a lawyer's willingness to represent unpopular clients and causes in the interest of justice, even when doing so goes against public opinion.

In March of 1770, British soldiers occupied Boston, Massachusetts, quartering troops and enforcing taxes.

On March 5, 1770, a mob of frustrated citizens gathered outside the Customs house on King Street, harassing and threatening the British soldier outside.

When troops commanded by Capt. Thomas Preston were called in to break up the crowd, they were cursed at, threatened and assaulted with snowballs, ice chunks and rocks.

Facing this barrage of threats and projectiles, the soldiers fired into the crowd, killing five men.

These killings immediately became known as the "Boston Massacre." Despite the fact Adams was opposed to the British occupation and taxation without representation, as defense counsel, he zealously represented Preston and the eight British troops involved in the Boston Massacre.
 
Although his participation in the defense of these men caused some in Boston to shun him and nearly destroyed his prosperous law practice, Adams considered his defense of Preston and his men to be "one of the most gallant, generous, manly and disinterested actions" of his life.

Adams' commitment to serve justice, even in the face of public disapproval, resulted in the acquittal of Preston and all but two of the British soldiers.

Adams continued to serve as a delegate to the First and Second Continental Congress, ambassador to France, Netherlands and Great Britain and the second president of the United States - the first lawyer-president.

However, John always viewed his role as a defense attorney to be one of the greatest services he gave to his country.

The 2011 Law Day theme provides us with not only an opportunity to celebrate the legacy of John Adams and his commitment to justice and public service, but to explore the role of lawyers in defending the rights of the accused and renew our understanding of and appreciation for the rule of law.