Court Opinion

ID: 9657674
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-23 20:33:59.921519+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:13:47.494994
License: Public Domain

JONES, Justice
(concurring specially).
The impact of Gideon on American jurisprudence was not confined to the rights of the accused, but extended to the enhancement and dignity of the legal profession. The criminal justice system cannot constitutionally operate without the lawyer. Our Court by this opinion has now rightly provided the essential counterpart to this doctrine. If the lawyer, as advocate for the accused, is an indispensable part of the system, then the system that he honors must honor him; and it must not allow him to become a pawn for the proverbial shell game. He must be free to act out his full role. He is the professional representative of his client — not his alter ego.
The fact that this landmark opinion results in the affirmance of a conviction must not be construed as striking a blow against individual rights. Conversely, in my opinion, the Alabama Supreme Court has this day heralded a resounding victory for the adversary system on behalf of the criminally accused.
HEFLIN, C. J., and FAULKNER, J., concur.