Harvard Law Prof Defends Decision to Represent Harvey Weinstein
“every citizen charged with a crime is cloaked with the presumption of innocence”
Some students apparently questioned this. I remember something similar happening in the 80’s when Alan Dershowitz decided to represent Claus von Bülow.
The Harvard Crimson reports:
Harvard Law Prof. Sullivan Defends Decision to Represent Weinstein Following Student Concerns
Harvard Law Professor and Winthrop House Faculty Dean Ronald S. Sullivan Jr. sent an email to Winthrop students and resident tutors Friday defending his decision to represent former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein in his Manhattan sexual abuse case.
Sullivan sent the missive to Winthrop affiliates late Friday night, writing that he had heard some residents had concerns about about his decision to represent Weinstein.
“It has come to my attention that a few of you have questions and a few others have concerns in regard to my most recent representation,” Sullivan wrote. “I shall take this opportunity to say a word to our community about the nature of criminal defense in the United States.”
Sullivan also announced he would be holding office hours on Monday and Tuesday night for anyone with questions or concerns.
“Winthrop has been and will remain a space that welcomes all points of view,” Sullivan wrote. “Free, frank and robust dialogue is the best way to clear up any confusions.”
Sullivan wrote more broadly about representation in the United States, writing that “every citizen charged with a crime is cloaked with the presumption of innocence.”
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Comments
Even Perry Mason said “Everyone is entitled to representation.” Whether or not Professor Sullivan is sufficiently woke, I’m sure a student would find it interesting as to what Professor Sullivan found so compelling in this case.
” . . . I’m sure a student would find it interesting as to what Professor Sullivan found so compelling in this case”
Professor Sullivan probably finds Harvey Weinstein’s net worth of $50M compelling
Agreed.
Every defendant, whether individual or organization, has a right to representation, regardless of guilt or innocence.
Why can’t people get this basic human condition of a civilized society?
The Boston bomber, the unibomber, Ted Kacynski, Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, Charles Manson, the list goes on.
It’s not about you (the squealers) and it’s not about them (the criminals). Our nation deserves a fair trial system, to be just and free.
I am glad Professor Sullivan is representing Weinstein. Consider a guilty verdict with a less than competent attorney. The appeal would write itself.
And please remember Mr. Sullivan is in for a big payday which ever way the trial goes. So, even if he has to put his personal morals in a box I’m sure he will be well compensated.
As God is my witness, when we went to see Reversal of Fortune, I was led to believe it was a typical 80’s comedy. I was very confused for much of the movie. 😉