The Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (MACDL) condemns the March 22, 2025, Presidential Memorandum titled, “Preventing Abuses of the Legal System and the Federal Court.” As the only statewide association of criminal defense attorneys, we strive to preserve the adversarial system of justice and protect the rights of persons charged with crimes. The President’s Memorandum is a transparent attempt to chill our professional duty and moral obligation to zealously represent our clients. It is also a direct attack on the rule of law, itself.
Contrary to the President’s view, a lawyer does not break the law or commit misconduct by taking positions against the government or representing an unpopular client. As Massachusetts lawyers, we have a special appreciation of fearless advocacy. In 1770 Boston, future president John Adams defended Captain Thomas Preston, commander of the British soldiers who allegedly shot into a crowd and killed five people in what came to be called the “Boston Massacre.” Despite his personal feelings, and in the face of public outrage against the British government, Adams believed that everyone had the right to a lawyer and fair trial. And ultimately, a jury acquitted Captain Preston.
Bedrock principles of democracy and liberty enshrined in our Constitution require lawyers willing to provide zealous representation regardless of the views or ideology of the lawyer or the litigant. MACDL will always stand up for due process and for the lawyers who work every day to actualize the promise of equal justice for all. We will support and defend lawyers who come under attack for doing their jobs in any state or federal court across Massachusetts.
To view/download full text of the statement click the image below
