We can hope that individuals also exist who, when presented with palatable evidence, are willing to acknowledge the integral alliance between lawyers and a free society based on the rule of law. I intend to share Mr. Gordon s article with several tasteless japers. Bigotry in all of its forms is wrong and always has been, but the theory of our Constitution is that citizens can express bigoted views. Certainly, in the conduct of our profession, we can penalize those who act and speak in a bigoted manner and brand their speech or conduct unprofessional. However, any such penalties must meet constitutional scrutiny.
Lawyers are advocates of views popular and unpopular.
Lawyers themselves hold views which are as varied as their personalities. The Bar cannot constitutionally force lawyers to think and act in a certain manner unless a lawyer s conduct actually interferes with the administration of justice. In other words, even a lawyer can be a bigot. Many of us wish no lawyer was, but it s a free country. Lawyers have a duty of zealous representation to their clients, even clients who hold bigoted views.