More debates, please

THE ethics of the legal profession have been questioned in discussions in the Cape Times over the past few days.

Critics have suggested that lawyers don’t always represent a client because they believe in the client’s case. Defenders have suggested that lawyers are inspired professionals who represent clients out of ethical conviction and a sense of justice.

They argue that lawyers are not just motivated by money; that lawyers don’t defend wealthy criminals because of the massive fees, but because they believe strongly in the importance of giving each and every rich accused crook, murderer and drug dealer a good defence.

Lawyers, in this view, are noble defenders of justice. The money is incidental. It just goes with the job.

I’m following these debates in eager anticipation of finding out who is right. Perhaps, once all views have been aired, the Cape Times can give the reading public an opportunity to vote? Then we can gauge public opinion about lawyers.

I’d further suggest that in the wake of this thrilling debate about the ethics of the legal profession, the Cape Times initiate a series of newspaper debates on topics of public interest.

Four similarly controversial topics come to mind: Are the present Springboks our best rugby team ever? Is Madagascar really an Island? Do our politicians have the citizens’ best interests at heart? Does Cape Town have enough water in its dams?

Debating such questions is a great and stimulating way to start the day.