Was John Adams Ethical in His Defense of the Redcoats?
The article discusses John Adams' ethical considerations in defending the British soldiers involved in the Boston Massacre. It highlights his belief that his actions were noble and necessary to uphold justice. The piece also examines the public pressure surrounding the trials and the implications of the defense strategy employed by Adams.
- ▪John Adams defended the soldiers accused in the Boston Massacre, believing it was a noble act.
- ▪The trials faced significant public pressure, unlike the trial of a customs informer who was quickly found guilty.
- ▪Adams strategically separated the trials to protect his clients from potential jury bias.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Was John Adams Ethical in His Defense of the Redcoats? David Churchill Barrow | 8:30 PM on May 29, 2026 White House Gallery The Part I took in Defence of Cptn. Preston and the Soldiers, procured me Anxiety, and Obloquy enough. It was, however, one of the most gallant, generous, manly and disinterested Actions of my whole Life, and one of the best Pieces of Service I ever rendered my Country. Judgment of Death against those Soldiers would have been as foul a Stain upon this Country as the Executions of the Quakers or Witches, anciently. As the Evidence was, the Verdict of the Jury was exactly right.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at PJ Media.
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