The Rule of Law: Yesterday and Today

During the last 24-hours there is a scene, a line, or an essence from the HBO John Adams mini-series that has been working its way to the forefront of my memory.  It has to do with the idea of "rule of law," which was a rather novel idea at one time.  Until then, much "justice" was done according to who had favor with the king, how much money was had, or the "rule of the mob."  John Adams so believed in the rule of law that he took on the case to defend British soldiers who were charged with murdering colonists (Boston Massacre).  This was not the popular thing to do!  This was the time when the colonists were coming together, recognizing the tyranny of the British government, and calling for change.  Yet, Adams knew that justice--true justice--needed to be maintained, enforced, demonstrated no matter the "side" of the one accused; no matter the volume of the mob.

I am by no means a legal mind, nor a serious history scholar, yet I believe this is an important topic for today as media too often feeds the mob allowing facts and the rule of law to be lost in the mayhem.  If we lose respect and trust in our legal system, we will again be ruled by the mob, and the mob changes day-to-day so one never knows on which side of the mob they will be found--frightening!  The fact that aspects of our judicial system need serious review and reform is a topic for another day...

These clips are a little long (9 minutes or so), yet very much worth the watch, as is the entire mini-series, which is available at most booksellers and public libraries. 

Adams being asked to represent:

The trial: