Letter: Swanberg upheld the law in defending trooper’s killer

Regarding Mr. Jack Simington’s letter, “Swanberg defended trooper’s killer,” TCH, Oct. 20 — I deeply appreciate and respect our law enforcement officers and recognize their daily sacrifices. The death of Trooper Saunders is a tragedy we will not forget.

I am a local attorney, at times representing victims of serious crime.

Like all attorneys, I took an oath to support the Constitution. Our Constitution dictates that the justice system cannot pick and choose which individuals are entitled to have their rights defended — we are all entitled to a defense, no matter the crime, no matter the victim. I have seen families torn apart by heinous acts of violence and that has not changed my belief that each individual has a right to be defended. Our Constitution created a justice system, not a blind vengeance system.

I have worked with Sam Swanberg; he is a dear friend and mentor. The very act Sam is being criticized for — taking on representation of an individual accused of killing a law enforcement officer — demonstrates Sam’s dedication to upholding the Constitution and laws of our land and his ability to put aside personal feelings so that he can do his job. Isn’t this what we need our judges to do?

This story was originally published October 30, 2016 at 4:46 AM with the headline "Letter: Swanberg upheld the law in defending trooper’s killer."