On a day when we honor the legacy of John Adams and his willingness to defend accused English soldiers despite the unpopularity of their cause, it is appropriate to remember that the principle underlying our second president’s determination, that every one against whom someone makes an allegation deserves a vigorous defense and an opportunity to present his or her case before a neutral arbiter, also applies to the government.
The government and its employees regularly face suits based on claims that laws they have enacted or actions they have taken are legally suspect. In response, government lawyers must zealously defend their clients, even in cases when popular sentiment may weigh against the actions the government has taken.
