Clarkian justice scary

I’ve began to wonder lately if in Doug Clark’s feverish pursuit of demonizing the entire Karl Thompson defense team (June 19) he hasn’t lost complete sight of what legal representation in this society really means. With one glance at his columns, one could easily believe that if Clark had his way, there would have been no trial, and Thompson would have been summarily whisked away to some kind of public stoning.

Whether or not Thompson was adequately punished for his part in the death of Otto Zehm is and shall remain debatable, but one thing is certain: The man is entitled to the best defense every citizen could hope to retain. If such defense involves costly legal battles and appeals, then so be it. It’s how our legal system works.

Clark might want to make villains and liars of defense attorneys in the American justice system, but the truth is they are charged with being its ethical heroes. Their zeal is making sure that citizens lose their freedom only when any and all resources have been exhausted. I know it’s what I would want and what Clark would want.

Kevin Soderquist

Spokane