This May, as the nation celebrates Law Day, the theme is The Legacy of John Adams, From Boston to Guantánamo, in recognition of Adams’ defense of British soldiers charged with the fatal shooting of five men during the 1770 Boston Massacre, an unpopular undertaking at the time,1 but one that demonstrated Adams’ steadfast commitment to the principles of due process and defending the rights of the accused.
While this year’s theme has implications throughout history, nationally and internationally, in the 241 years since, we have witnessed a proliferation of efforts to protect the rights of the accused.
