Comments by "L.W. Paradis" (@l.w.paradis2108) on "Susan Wright Case Analysis | Homicide or Self-Defense?" video.

Did the attorney face any negative consequences for reporting the body to the district attorney? Was this considered a violation of his duty of confidentiality to his client? Or was the presence of children in the home a good reason to violate confidentiality?
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@Normaschthewanderer Not at all. The opposite is the general rule. Only a risk of future harm should be reported. Trying to use a lawyer to cover up a past crime can at times be reported as well. The lawyer must withdraw if he finds out a client is using him to cover up a crime, but he's not usually required to report the crime. Here, it was reasonable to have concern for the children, though, and for their well being. That changes the picture. Preventing future harm is the key.
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@Normaschthewanderer People who have, without a doubt, done something illegal are represented by lawyers all the time. (???) We have adversarial trials, not inquisitions.
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@Normaschthewanderer A guilty plea must be knowing and voluntary. No one ever has to agree to plead guilty. A right to a trial and a right to a defense is a constitutional right. Or, why not just rat people out, save time and money? /s
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@Normaschthewanderer Those people striking plea bargains are all presumed innocent until they plead guilty and the court accepts their plea.
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