We examine attorneys’ language – specifically, attorneys’ quasi-religious rhetoric – to better understand courtroom dynamics: how attorneys see themselves, their work, their colleagues, and their legal adversaries.
The notion of law as sacred, and lawyers as righteous saviors, may seem anachronistic in the current context of heavy caseloads and expedited processing in the criminal justice system. Nevertheless, language reflecting these ideals still permeates defense attorneys’ descriptions of their roles, their legal practice, and their relationships to their colleagues and adversaries. In the current analysis of semi-structured interviews with 30 defense attorneys, we find that attorneys use of quasi-religious rhetoric manifests as a cultural practice that helps to establish and maintain professional identities, boundaries, and relationships. Our findings also suggest that young and novice public defenders are likely to express especially zealous views, which may compromise their efforts to collaborate within the adversarial system, as well as contribute to burnout. (Publisher Abstract Provided)
Downloads
Similar Publications
- Too Sensitive or Not Sensitive Enough? Sensitivity to Context and Justice-involved Youths' Response to Violence Exposure
- Understanding the Impact of COVID-19 on Victim Service Provision: Recommendations for VSPs to Mitigate Future Service Disruption
- Urban Adolescents' Exposure to Violence and Racial Discrimination: Gender Differences in Coping and Mental Health