Those folks serve a very useful purpose, if one stops to think about it.

They define and protect one extreme, which in turn defines the middle. Without them, all governments tend toward repression.

The first thing a repressive government does is shut up the more extreme defense lawyers.

I, for one, wouldn't trust my civil rights to Ashcroft's tender mercies. When he thinks he's right he doesn't care about the Constitution, laws or people.

I don't agree with those lawyers much, and I'm glad they are around. And without knowing, I suspect the Justice Department has a pretty bogus case against her, is firing a shot across the bows of defense lawyers everywhere.

Arf