Ok, this is one of my Hills to Die Upon.
The importance of public defenders and ensuring that the accused receives a fair trial isn't about the defendant.
It isn't about the defendant. What they have or haven't done, or confessed to, or whatever, IS IRRELEVANT. Whether they're accused of picking a flower that isn't theirs or they've confessed to murdering a two year old, IT DOESN'T FUCKING MATTER.
That defendant needs the strongest possible defense in order to...
SERVE AS A CHECK ON THE POWER OF THE STATE.
In our judicial system we have empowered our government to deprive people of their freedom, and in some jurisdictions, their lives. Do we trust them to wield that power equitably and fairly at all times?
NO WE FUCKING DO NOT AND WE NEVER SHOULD, EVER.
Every. Single. Fucking. Time that the state brings charges against a defendant, someone they would like to deprive of liberty or life, we have to make it as hard as possible for them to succeed. We have to make them prove it, and prove it beyond a reasonable doubt. We have to make sure they are following Every. Fucking. Rule that has been put into place to ensure the fairness of the proceedings.
Does it always work? No, because it's an imperfect system run by imperfect people.
But the rights of a defendant, even one that has a rap sheet as long as a CVS receipt, even one that's done unspeakable things, HAS TO BE VIGOROUSLY DEFENDED because the second you ease up on that throttle, the second the state starts thinking it's easy, and they can just toss in jail whoever they want without having to jump through too many hoops...
Well that's a one-way ticket to the state tossing their political enemies, or just anyone they don't like, into jail on flimsy charges using illegal evidence and bought testimony.
That's why you, @sentimentalslut, are a hero standing as a bulwark against the state running roughshod over everyone's rights, even when you are standing next to someone we'd all objectively classify as scum. Because it isn't about them. It's about everyone.
